Digital Certificates use which protocol?

Digital certificates utilize the X.509 protocol, which is a widely accepted standard that defines the format of public key certificates. These certificates are critical in establishing a secure connection over the internet and are used in various security protocols, including SSL/TLS for web security.

The X.509 standard specifies how digital certificates are structured, including fields such as the issuer, subject, public key, and expiration date. This standard allows different parties to verify ownership of a public key, ensuring that communications can occur securely and reliably.

By adhering to X.509, digital certificates provide a trusted framework for authentication and encryption, which is fundamental for secure online transactions and communications.