In our previous post, we already observed how the digital signature and therefore, digital certificates would be an ‘essential’ to work in 2021. But as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the digital transformation in which we are immersed, digital certificates will take on a new dimension in 2021.
Digital certificates are computer files that are used to provide a digital identity to a person, organization or electronic device. They are issued by recognized Certification Authorities (CA) and are based on asymmetric cryptography; therefore, they contain a public key and a private key. The first is available to everyone, while the certificate holder only knows the second. Thus, the privacy of the information exchanged between two users is guaranteed.
The Digital Certificate allows us to carry out various private operations through the web pages of public institutions such as the Tax Agency, Social Security or Commercial Registries. We can modify our data to Sign Digitally beyond the fact that the digital certificate is essential to interact with public administrations and more in COVID-19. We must bear in mind that the digital certificate serves to speed up the completion of various procedures over the internet, which reduces time, and allows management to be carried out at any time, without time limits.
And this translates into multiple applications, from the closing of a contract through the digital signature, any financial transaction that requires identification, access to certain platforms with sensitive information which are conditioned to secure and accredited access, etc. Both in business activity and in our private life (e-Commerce purchases, access to our bank’s app, etc.) the digital certificate is present. However, you have already read other content about the role of digital certificates in the company and the activity today we are going to talk about the digital certificate and the role it is beginning to have in recovering normality in the face of COVID-19.
The role of digital certificates in the post-pandemic of COVID-19
And this week the Danish government has joined the Swedish proposal and announced plans to introduce a digital document with which people can demonstrate that they have an updated coronavirus vaccine. Citizens would use the so-called Corona-Pass for both business and pleasure trips. The application will be available in three to four months. On top of that, organizations in the US have started becoming part of the Vaccinexus platform, a place that will allow them to collaborate and tackle the new challenge of quickly vaccinating people. India announced guidelines this week for the first phase of vaccinations for about 300 million people, requiring eligible recipients to first register online with photo-identity documents. All those who have been vaccinated will obtain an electronic certificate based on QR codes in this country.
Meanwhile, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the world’s airlines’ lobby group, said it would launch a digital health travel pass early next year to include passengers’ COVID-19 vaccination data. For its part, Israel plans to issue a “green passport” to those who have been vaccinated, allowing them easy access to restaurants and cultural events, and exempting them from quarantine rules or taking a virus test before travelling. However, although the future is undoubtedly digital, these initiatives are not without controversy. Numerous experts are warning that implementing these protocols in an uncontrolled manner can lead to a discriminatory impact. Today, not everyone has access to these systems, often the most vulnerable, leading to inequality.
The problem is not technology. The main challenge lies in the requirement to carry out a global and coordinated effort so that the use of digital certificates in identification does not exclude people and frees the population from the limitations of the COVID-19 in an equitable and efficient way. Government authorities have said other IDs can be used and tracking immunizations through a dedicated digital database. For this, the vaccine database must be crossed with other databases, having extreme respect for data as sensitive as health.
For this, the vaccine database must be crossed with other databases, having extreme respect for data as sensitive as health and providing simple solutions to people who do not have the means to access these accreditation systems. The world is faced with the challenge of overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic, and thanks to technology and research the creation of vaccines has been possible. Just with a coordinated effort to produce and distribute them to all people, the problem will end.
The same problem happens with the accreditation and identification of vaccinated people. In 2021, paper-based solutions do not work, but for the digital answer to be equitable and fair, all people’s coordinated effort will be necessary.
If you are interested in knowing more about digital certificates solutions for business, request a demo, or have any questions, we encourage you to contact us. We will be delighted to help you. Finally, if you are on social networks, connect with us to be aware of our news and learn more about digital signatures and digital certificates. We are on Twitter and LinkedIn. Follow us!
