Certificates
Certificates, also known as digital certificates or SSL/TLS certificates, are electronic documents that use cryptographic keys to verify the identity of entities (such as websites, servers, or individuals) and enable secure encrypted communication over networks like the internet. They are issued by trusted Certificate Authorities (CAs) and contain information like the owner's public key, validity period, and issuer details, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality in online interactions.
Developers should learn about certificates to implement secure applications, particularly for web development, APIs, and network services, as they are essential for enabling HTTPS, preventing man-in-the-middle attacks, and complying with security standards like GDPR or PCI DSS. Use cases include securing e-commerce sites, authenticating users in enterprise systems, and encrypting data in transit for mobile apps or IoT devices.