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What is a digital signature certificate and what type of information does it contain?

The digital signature certificate can be compared to a passport. It contains information that helps authenticate the signer’s identity and links them to their digital signature. All recipients can see the certificate’s details by accessing Notarius’ online certification servers. Certificates are issued by Notarius, a certification authority, once a user’s identity and, when applicable, professional status, have been verified. The certificate is an electronic file that meets the X.509 standard and is signed by a recognized certification authority. It contains data that identifies the user, such as:

• The user’s distinctive name (last name, first name, and, when applicable, member number)
• The name of the user’s professional association, when applicable
• The user’s email address
• The user’s public verification key
• The certificate’s validity period
• The certificate’s serial number
• The issuing certificate authority’s digital signature to verify and guarantee the authenticity of the information contained within the certificate

Moreover, the certificate contains a public verification key that matches the private signature key. Together, they create a link between the user and the asymmetric key pair.