What does a digital certificate prove in the context of online security?

A digital certificate serves as an essential component in the realm of online security, primarily functioning to confirm the connection between a public key and the identity of its owner. The correct answer highlights that a digital certificate verifies that the domain and the encryption key are owned by the same entity. This verification process is conducted by a trusted third party, known as a Certificate Authority (CA), which issues the certificate after validating the identity of the entity requesting it.

When a user connects to a website that presents a digital certificate, they can trust that they are indeed communicating with the legitimate owner of that domain, rather than a potential impersonator. This trust is crucial for establishing secure connections and preventing various attacks, such as man-in-the-middle attacks. The presence of a valid digital certificate assures users that their sensitive information, like passwords and credit card numbers, will be transmitted securely.

The other options, while related to online security, do not accurately capture the primary function of a digital certificate. For instance, while a digital certificate can currently enable encrypted connections, that is not its primary purpose or what it proves. Similarly, certifications regarding a user’s browser or claims about a website being free from malware do not fall under the verification role of a digital certificate, as those require