Personal Certificates

What is a Personal Certificate?

Digital or "personal" certificates uniquely identify you to Web sites and let you access specific information. Digital certificates are the leading technology for identifying individuals and businesses on the Internet. They are based on two mechanisms: strong cryptography, which protects your digital identification from tampering, and a trusted third party, which authenticates your identity.


What is a Certificate Authority?

A Certification Authority (CA) is the trusted third party from whom you obtain a digital certificate. The CA's authentication policies and practices maintain the security of the digital identifications that companies present to you.

VeriSign is the first CA and supplier of digital certificates on the Internet. Used in over 35 countries worldwide, VeriSign Digital ID™ certificates rely on today's strongest cryptographic techniques to provide a trusted means of authenticating the identity of each party in an electronic transaction.


Using a VeriSign Digital ID?

You can use your VeriSign Digital ID with a variety of applications such as secure Web browsers, secure e-mail programs, and secure Web servers. After you obtain your Digital ID, you can use it to access secure sites that request a Digital ID in order to grant access to their information or services.

For example, you could access a financial information site which would automatically check your Digital ID against their membership list, recognize that you have paid for access, and immediately give you up-to-the-minute stock prices. You don't have to enter a member name, number, or password—it's all in your Digital ID.

When you access a secure site, Internet Explorer prompts you that a Digital ID is required to access it. Internet Explorer also lets you use and manage this certificate, in much the same way you use a real wallet to store identification cards.


Special Offer: Get Your VeriSign Digital ID Now!

Microsoft Internet Explorer Starter Kit owners can take advantage of this special offer from Microsoft and VeriSign:

    n A free Class 1 Digital ID (normally US $6.00)

    n 50% off a Class 2 Digital ID (normally US $12.00)

You can request your Digital ID using the online enrollment services at VeriSign's Digital ID Center. VeriSign's automated confirmation process quickly confirms your identity, enabling us to issue your Digital ID almost immediately.

Before you can enroll, you'll need to have an account with an Internet service provider. Click Connect to the Web Now! if you haven't yet set up an account.