In plain English
It is an electronic record used to show which site is presenting itself. It connects that claimed identity to the public key the site uses.
In context
In browser security details, "security certificate" names the digital document that serves as the site's proof of identity by linking that identity to its public key.
- Situation
- Understanding encryption, privacy, data-sharing, and secure-connection labels
- What it communicates
- names the site proof shown in browser security details
Meaning limits
By itself, the term does not establish what the site is authorized to do beyond having an identity linked to a public key.
Examples
“The website sent a security certificate that linked its public key to the company name on the home page.”
“In the browser's security details, the security certificate shows a different site name from the address you entered.”