One of the things you learn as an adult is that sometimes you need to register things to carry out procedures more easily, and specifically one of the facilities that the Spanish State gives us to process is the Digital Certificate, which can be installed both on iPhone as on iPad.
So if you are still using alternatives like Cl@ve PIN and it falls short, or you simply want to know more about the digital certificate, we invite you to continue with us here, at iPhoneA2, where we will teach you what it is and why It is advisable to have a digital certificate on your iPad.
What is a digital certificate?
The FNMT is the most popular digital certificate
A digital certificate is an electronic security tool used to verify the identity of a person, entity or device in the digital realm. That is to say, works as a kind of «Electronic ID» which provides us with a secure mechanism to carry out online transactions, digitally sign documents and guarantee the confidentiality and integrity of the information we are accessing.
The Digital Certificate, specifically, as collected in Spain, has the following uses:
Authentication
Allows verify the identity of a person or entity online, since by possessing a digital certificate, it can be demonstrated that the information provided during an electronic transaction comes from the entity or person it claims to be.
It is especially useful for authenticating a procedure on the web with the Public Administration, and above all it allows you to reduce waiting times and an overwhelming immediacy when carrying out procedures.
Digital signature
Facilitates the electronic signing of documents, so this signature is legally equivalent to a handwritten signature in many countries. This is especially useful in administrative procedures, electronic contracts and other legal documents.
Data encryption
Provides a secure means to encrypt information transmitted between two parties. Ensures that only authorized parties can access and understand transmitted information, helping to protect data confidentiality.
How to obtain the digital certificate?
First of all, it must be clear that there is not a single Digital Certificate, but there are several that have similar uses and validity, but that depend on the different Certification Authorities, which are the authorized bodies that issue them.
Currently there are several Certification Authorities in Spain, such as National Currency and Stamp Factory (FNMT), Electronic Technology and Certification Agency (ACCV), and the Autonomous Governments themselves, which depending on the community, also issue Digital Certificates but with somewhat more restricted uses.
Once you know who you want to take it out with, keep this in mind:
Prepare the required documentation
Depending on the issuing entity of the digital certificate, it is possible that you need to present specific documentation. Generally, you will need your identification document (DNI, NIE, passport), and in some cases, additional documentation may be required to be clear about the authenticity of the user and the reasons why they are requested, such as written forms.
Request the digital certificate
This can be done online or in person, depending on the issuing entity. For the FNMT, for example, you can request it on its official website or at some registry offices. However, if you choose to verify your identity electronically, you will likely have to pay a fee to use that service.
Download and install the certificate
Once your application is approved, you will receive instructions on how to download and install your digital certificate on your computer, tablet or phone. You can use it on several devices at the same time, so don't worry that "it doesn't cost anything" to install it on different devices.
And once you have it installed, you can use your digital certificate to carry out procedures and transactions online safely, such as file tax returns, carry out administrative procedures or sign electronic documents, among several possible uses
How to install a Digital certificate on the iPad?
Let's say you already have it in your possession, but you want to install it on your iPad. If you don't know how to start, don't worry, we'll show you how to configure it so that you can have it installed in a few minutes:
Download the certificate
Firstly, you need to have the digital certificate in the appropriate format for the iPad. This could be through a .p12, .pfx or .cer file. Remember that, if you have it compressed in ZIP or similar format, you will have to unzip it to be able to install it.
Send the certificate to the iPad
You can transfer the certificate to your iPad in several ways, such as by email, through iCloud Drive, using cloud storage apps like Dropbox, or through Finder if you have a Mac. Here you can use the transfer method you are most comfortable with.
Open the certificate and install it
Once you've transferred the certificate to iPad, open it by clicking on the file. If it's a .p12 or .pfx file, you'll probably be asked to enter a password (they usually give this to you at the registrar's office, if they have one). If it is a .cer file, the iPad will automatically recognize the certificate.
Once you have it open, the iPad will ask you if you want to install it, so you only have to confirm the installation and follow the process with the steps requested by the tablet.
When the certificate is installed and configured on your iPad, congratulations! You can now use it in applications that require a digital certificate, such as email applications, secure web browsers or electronic signature applications, among others.
Conclusion: it is worth getting the Digital Certificate on iPad
As the procedures progress and knowing that presence is something that little by little tends to disappear, the Digital Certificate seems to me something too necessary for us to do without it. So, with the information we have given you, you are now ready to take full advantage of the secure features offered by this important resource on your Apple device.
And if you have come this far, we can only thank you for reading us and if you have any questions, we invite you to leave them in the Comments box.