A digital certificate works much like a physical identification card, such as a driver’s license. A third-party company, or certification authority that specializes in digital security, verifies application information and then issues a digital certificate. The certificate contains information about the applicant and the company issuing the certificate. Digital certificates are valid for a period of one to two years, depending on the certification authority, and require renewal to remain valid. An expired digital certificate will result in loss of protection for both the certificate holder and existing or potential customers. Any website that requests your personal information should have a valid digital certificate. One indication that the website is secure is the appearance of a dark green bar in the address bar along with URL initials “https” versus the traditional “http.” Every digital certificate has an expiration date. Digital certificate renewal and issuance of new keys help to prevent deciphering of key combinations and theft of private information. Approximately 90 days before the expiration date, the certificate holder will receive a notice of expiration, along with information on how to renew and receive a new encryption key. If renewal does not take place within this time frame, the certificate expires and visitors to the website receive a warning message. If renewing an expired digital certificate within an acceptable window of time, the process can be complete as a normal renewal. Access your user account and follow renewal instructions. If the certification authority does not allow renewal of expired certificates, you will receive instructions to complete a new application. Writer Bio
