X.509 Certificate

An X.509 certificate is a digital document used to verify the identity of a person, organization, or website online. Think of it as a digital passport or ID card that confirms who you are and that your communications are secure. Issued by a trusted authority called a Certificate Authority (CA), it contains information like the entity's public key, name, and expiration date. These certificates enable secure connections (like HTTPS websites), ensuring data is encrypted and trustworthy, helping prevent eavesdropping or impersonation.