EVZertifikate

EVZertifikate, short for Elektronische Vertrauensdienstleister Zertifikate, are digital certificates used in Switzerland. These certificates are issued by qualified trust service providers, known as "Vertrauensdiensteanbieter" (VDAs) in Switzerland, and play a crucial role in establishing the authenticity and integrity of electronic transactions.

The primary purpose of EVZertifikate is to facilitate secure and legally recognized electronic signatures. When an EVZertifikat is used to sign a document, it provides a strong assurance of the signer's identity and ensures that the document has not been tampered with since it was signed. This makes electronic signatures made with EVZertifikate equivalent to handwritten signatures in many legal contexts within Switzerland.

These certificates are regulated by the Swiss Federal Act on Electronic Signatures (eSignA) and its associated ordinances. The requirements for issuing and managing EVZertifikate are stringent, ensuring a high level of trust and security for users. They are widely used in various sectors, including public administration, business, and legal professions, to streamline processes, reduce paper usage, and enhance security in digital communication and transactions.

EVZertifikate are typically stored on secure hardware tokens or smart cards, or managed in a cloud-based environment, depending on the specific service provider and the chosen solution. The use of these certificates contributes significantly to the digital transformation and the promotion of a trustworthy digital economy in Switzerland.