What advantage do digital certificates provide when used on websites?

Digital certificates, commonly used in conjunction with SSL/TLS, provide a significant advantage by guaranteeing the legitimacy of a website. When a website has a digital certificate, it indicates that the site has been verified by a trusted certificate authority (CA). This verification process involves authenticating the identity of the organization or individual that owns the website, which helps ensure users that they are communicating with the real site rather than an imposter.

This trust is crucial for users, as it protects them from various online threats, such as phishing scams or data theft. When users see indications like "https://" in the URL or a padlock icon in the browser, they can be more confident that their connection is secure and that the website operates under credible credentials. As a result, digital certificates play a vital role in ensuring safe online transactions and communications, fostering user trust in the website's authenticity.

Other options do not accurately describe the primary benefit of digital certificates. For instance, while a legitimate website may attract more visitors, digital certificates themselves do not directly increase traffic or alter website design and domain name. Their main purpose is centered around establishing trust and security for users interacting with that site.