A digital certificate is an electronic file or password that proves the authenticity of a device, server, or user through the use of cryptography and the public key infrastructure (PKI) . It contains identifiable information such as a users name, company, or department, and a devices Internet Protocol (IP) address or serial number. Digital certificates are issued by certificate authorities (CAs), which sign certificates to verify the identity of the requesting device or user. They are used to encrypt online data/information communications between an end-users browser and a website, and to ensure both the identity and secure encryption of a website, individual, organization, device, user, or server. Digital certificates are becoming increasingly important as cyberattacks continue to increase in both volume and sophistication. They are used in public key cryptography functions, most commonly for initializing Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) connections between web browsers and web servers. Digital certificates can be used to secure websites, devices, web servers, signatures, code, software, email, and more. They increase trust by providing a third-party validation of a user, device, server, website, individual, or organization, and are an added layer of protection for digital assets.