Authenticate users, carry out electronic procedures, sign documents and encrypt confidential information. These are some of the functionalities of digital certificates as a key tool in the digital transformation of companies. However, as their use becomes more widespread, errors when using the digital certificates are also on the rise. Certificate security has become the main concern of organizations, especially in a context where cyber threats can compromise both personal data and the digital identity of anyone.
In this article we tell you what mistakes you should take into consideration every time you use it. Avoiding them will maintain the security of your digital operations, while taking advantage of its full potential.
The digital certificate expands in offices
If you read our blog regularly, you will know that the digital certificate is one of the topics we deal with most frequently. And no wonder: it has become a tool to guarantee digital identity, sign documents securely and streamline administrative processes. For all these uses, we believe in its key role in digital transformation.
In this sense, Andalusia stands out as the leading community in Spain in the use of electronic certificates, issuing 30.2% of the national total, as stated in the Report on the main indicators of the Corporate Digital Administration of the Regional Government of Andalusia for 2024. This means that nine out of ten Andalusians are committed to telematic registration, with its consequent savings in travel, information requests and flexibility in schedules.
However, this does not mean that the rest of the communities are not taking advantage of the benefits it offers. On the contrary. Digitalization is expanding throughout the national and international territory, facilitating hundreds of procedures for private companies, public institutions and citizens.
5 mistakes that companies make when using the digital certificate
Using the digital certificate is intuitive and, in general, there is no need for any negative situation. However, as it is a means of digital identification, we cannot forget that there are a number of common mistakes that are easy to make due to lack of attention or ignorance, which can lead to problems of fraud or computer attacks.
Below, we reveal the most common mistakes when using it:
Inappropriately using the access password
How much time do you waste resetting passwords? Like us, we think more than we should, spending an average of three minutes and 46 seconds doing so, according to a survey by ExpressVPN. And we forget passwords all the time. For some uses, it’s an annoying anecdote, but it’s not a big deal. However, forgetting the digital certificate can be a different story.
It is usually protected with a password and forgetting it can prevent its use. For this reason, the ideal is to keep it in a safe place or rely on a password manager to avoid losing access, or being used by a third party without your permission.
The best place to keep this password is in your memory. To always remember it, you can resort to phrases or words from songs, books, movies or series that you like and will not forget. Making different versions, such as mixing lowercase and uppercase letters, and inserting numbers or special characters, will reinforce its security.
Do not revoke it in case of loss or theft
In addition to someone else accessing your certificate on your behalf, there is the possibility of losing it or having it stolen. In either case, it is crucial to revoke it immediately so that no one has the opportunity to make fraudulent use of it. To do so, you should contact the issuing entity and follow the instructions they give you to revoke it.
Forgetting to renew it before it expires
In the corporate world, it is common to use it on a daily basis. This, added to the hectic routine of tasks, meetings and projects, can lead to comfort and forgetting when to renew it. It is important to always remember its expiration date, because if it expires you will not be able to carry out procedures in due time.
Not making backup copies
It is common to install a digital certificate on the device and not perform any type of maintenance. However, this is a big mistake. So what can we do? Make backup copies on a regular basis. Doing so will be especially useful if it is lost or the device on which it is installed stops working, as it will be easier to regain access. Another option is to use one that is stored in the cloud with restricted access, as you can do with our certificate manager.
Soliciting or obtaining it using questionable sources
More and more companies with questionable reputations are sending out messages via email, social media or advertisements trying to attract potential customers, trapping a large percentage of them. Many others reach fraudulent sites through a quick Internet search. In both situations, personal data is exposed and at serious risk, which can lead to fraud and cyber attacks. To avoid this, trust only official certifying entities to achieve this.