How does a digital certificate function?

A digital certificate primarily functions to verify the identity of the certificate holder. This is achieved through a system of public key infrastructure (PKI) that uses cryptographic techniques. When a digital certificate is issued, it contains crucial information such as the certificate holder's public key, the identity of the certificate authority (CA) that issued the certificate, and the expiration date of the certificate. This information is digitally signed by the CA, ensuring its authenticity.

When a party receives a digital certificate, they can check the signature of the issuing CA, which validates that the certificate is legitimate and that the identity associated with the certificate matches the information contained within it. This verification process is essential in establishing trust in online communications, ensuring that both parties can be confident in the identity of the other, which is critical for secure transactions and communications in a digital environment.

The other options relate to different security functions but do not accurately represent the core role of a digital certificate. For instance, while some systems encrypt communications and track vulnerabilities, those processes are separate from the primary function of a digital certificate, which is identity verification.