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Qualified Certificate (QC)

A Qualified Certificate (QC) is a digital certificate that provides a high level of assurance about the identity of the certificate holder, including non-human identities.

Description

A Qualified Certificate (QC) is a type of digital certificate issued by a qualified trust service provider (TSP) that complies with specific legal and technical standards defined by regulations such as the eIDAS Regulation in the European Union. QCs are designed to ensure a high level of trust and security in electronic transactions. In the context of Non-Human Identities (NHIs), QCs can be used to authenticate entities such as organizations, IoT devices, and other automated systems. The certificate includes information about the entity’s identity and the public key used for cryptographic operations. The issuance of QCs involves rigorous identity verification processes to ensure that the entity is legitimate and authorized to act in its capacity. This makes QCs particularly important for applications where secure communications and transactions are critical, such as in financial services, supply chain management, and automated systems where non-human entities interact with humans or other systems.

Examples

  • A QC issued to an IoT device for secure communication in a smart home system.
  • A QC for an organization that enables secure digital signatures on contracts.

Additional Information

  • QCs can be used to comply with legal requirements for electronic signatures, ensuring they are legally recognized.
  • The use of QCs enhances trust in automated systems and transactions, reducing the risk of fraud.

References