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Digital Certificate Structure

A Digital Certificate is a data structure that binds a public key to an identity, verified by a trusted third party.^[600-developer-tools-security-certificate.md] Its structure is conceptually defined by the following formula^[600-developer-tools-security-certificate.md]:

Certificate = Public Key + Metadata

The metadata component contains the information necessary to validate the certificate and confirm the identity of the holder^[600-developer-tools-security-certificate.md].

Metadata Components

The metadata included in a certificate typically consists of the following elements^[600-developer-tools-security-certificate.md]:

  • Fingerprint: A unique identifier derived from the certificate content.
  • CA Signature (簽章CA): The Digital Signature from the Certificate Authority attesting to the certificate's validity.
  • Serial Number (序列號): A unique integer assigned by the issuer.
  • Validity Period (證書有效日期): The date range during which the certificate is valid.
  • Registered User (登錄用戶): Information identifying the subject or entity to whom the certificate is issued.

Sources

  • 600-developer-tools-security-certificate.md