certifikat

A certifikat is a document or digital artifact that confirms a fact, entitlement, or standard. The term is used in several languages to mean certificate. Certificates function as proof of identity, qualification, or rights and are issued by an authorized body. They may certify personal status, achievement, or compliance with rules.

Paper certificates include civil status records such as birth, marriage, and death certificates; academic diplomas and transcripts; professional licenses; and property titles. They are typically issued by government registries, educational institutions, professional bodies, or notaries. Some certificates have legal effects, while others serve as formal recognition or record-keeping.

Digital certifikat are cryptographic certificates used within public key infrastructure (PKI). A digital certificate binds a public key to an entity's identity and is issued by a certification authority. They enable secure communications (for example, HTTPS), server authentication, code signing, and client authentication. Certificates have finite lifespans and can be revoked; status is checked via certificate revocation lists or the Online Certificate Status Protocol.

Management of certificates involves issuance, renewal, storage, and revocation procedures, as well as policies for trust and privacy. Proper handling prevents impersonation and data breaches. In many countries, formal processes for issuing and verifying certificates are governed by law and professional standards.