Definition ∞ A Digital Certificate is an electronic document that uses encryption to verify the authenticity of a public key and its owner. It serves as a digital identity, issued by a trusted third party, to secure online communications and transactions. These certificates confirm the identity of websites, individuals, or organizations.
Context ∞ In the context of digital assets and blockchain, Digital Certificates can be utilized for identity verification within decentralized applications or for securing communication channels between network participants. While not directly a blockchain component, they play a supporting role in establishing trust and security in the broader digital ecosystem.