what is a verisign token

2 min read 27-12-2024

VeriSign, now part of DigiCert, was a leading provider of digital certificates. While VeriSign itself no longer issues certificates under that specific brand name, understanding what a "VeriSign token" – often referring to a VeriSign digital certificate – means is crucial for grasping online security. This article explains digital certificates, their role in securing websites, and the legacy of VeriSign's contribution to online trust.

Understanding Digital Certificates

A digital certificate is like a digital passport for websites. It verifies a website's identity and ensures that data exchanged between the website and your browser is encrypted and secure. Think of it as a seal of approval from a trusted authority, confirming that you're connecting to the legitimate website and not an imposter.

These certificates contain vital information:

Website's identity: The domain name (e.g., example.com).
Public key: Used for encrypting data.
Issuer information: The Certificate Authority (CA) that issued the certificate (like DigiCert, formerly VeriSign).
Validity period: The date range during which the certificate is valid.

How Digital Certificates Work

When you visit a secure website (indicated by "https" in the address bar and a padlock icon), your browser checks the website's digital certificate. It verifies the certificate's validity by checking the CA's digital signature. If everything checks out, your browser establishes a secure connection, ensuring your data is protected from interception.

VeriSign's Legacy in Digital Certificates

VeriSign was a pioneer in the field of digital certificates. For many years, their certificates were widely recognized and trusted. Their brand became synonymous with online security. While VeriSign no longer operates under that name for certificate issuance, the concept and importance of the digital certificates they helped popularize remain the same. DigiCert, the company that acquired VeriSign's certificate business, continues to issue certificates and maintains the legacy of online security and trust.

Why are Digital Certificates Important?

Digital certificates play a crucial role in protecting online transactions and sensitive data. They prevent:

Man-in-the-middle attacks: Where attackers intercept communication between you and a website.
Phishing scams: Where fake websites impersonate legitimate ones to steal your information.
Data breaches: By ensuring data is encrypted during transmission.

What to Look For Instead of a "VeriSign Token"

You won't encounter "VeriSign tokens" as a specific term anymore. Instead, look for the padlock icon in your browser's address bar and the "https" prefix in the website's URL. These indicate a secure connection established through a digital certificate issued by a trusted Certificate Authority like DigiCert, Let's Encrypt, or others. You can also click on the padlock to see details about the certificate, including the issuer.

Conclusion

Although the term "VeriSign token" might be used informally to refer to an older VeriSign digital certificate, it's important to understand that digital certificates issued by trusted CAs, like DigiCert (which acquired VeriSign's certificate business), are essential for secure online interactions. Always check for the "https" prefix and padlock icon to ensure you are connecting to a secure website. Understanding digital certificates empowers you to navigate the internet more safely and securely.