{"id":256377,"date":"2023-11-09T20:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-11-09T19:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.easyap.com\/?p=251448"},"modified":"2026-08-17T15:04:47","modified_gmt":"2026-08-17T13:04:47","slug":"firma-digital-o-certificado-digital-son-lo-mismo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.easyap.com\/en\/blog\/firma-digital-o-certificado-digital-son-lo-mismo\/","title":{"rendered":"Digital signature or digital certificate? Are they the same?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The<\/span> e-invoice<\/b><\/a> has gained immense importance in the business landscape, as it streamlines processes and reduces the administrative burden for millions of companies. Therefore, in this context, it is crucial to understand two concepts separately: the <\/span>digital signature<\/b> and the <\/span>digital certificate<\/b>. Often, these two ideas are used interchangeably, but they have significant differences. Therefore, in the following lines, we will break down <\/span>what a digital certificate is and what it is used for, as well as the digital signature.<\/b> Furthermore, we will analyze their validity, when and who should use them, and what procedures you can carry out with them. And, above all, we answer the big question: digital signature or digital certificate?<\/span><\/p>\n

Are digital signatures and digital certificates the same? Main differences<\/span> <\/span><\/h2>\n

To begin, it is essential to clarify that <\/span>digital signature<\/b> and<\/b> digital certificate<\/b> are not synonyms,<\/b> although both are commonly used in the field of electronic security. A digital signature refers to the process of applying an electronic signature to a document, while a digital certificate is the tool that supports this signature.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is understood by digital signature?<\/span> <\/span><\/h3>\n

On the one hand, the <\/span>digital signature<\/b> is a process that allows a person or entity to securely sign an electronic document<\/b>. And not only that, but it is legally binding. As for how it is generated, it is through cryptographic algorithms. Specifically, a unique electronic representation of the signer’s signature is created on the document.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

In turn, the digital signature process <\/span>involves generating a unique signature based on the document’s content and the private key of the signer’s digital certificate<\/b>. This signature is attached to the document and stored along with the information contained in the digital certificate.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is understood by digital certificate or electronic certificate?<\/span> <\/span><\/h3>\n

On the other hand, a <\/span>digital certificate<\/b> is an electronic file that contains information about the holder’s identity, the corresponding public key, and the issuing entity<\/b>of the certificate. This entity is responsible for verifying the applicant’s identity before issuing the certificate.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

Furthermore, the digital certificate is essential for verifying the authenticity of a digital signature. Likewise, when someone receives a digitally signed document,<\/span>they can use it to confirm that the signature shown is legitimate<\/b> and that the document has not been altered<\/b>by anyone.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

At this point, it is also important to clarify. One of the main differences between these two terms is that<\/span>the digital signature is applied to the document<\/b>itself. In contrast,<\/span>the digital certificate is stored on the signer’s device.<\/b>This means that the certificate is necessary to verify and support the signature. Therefore, its loss will jeopardize the security of the signature.<\/span><\/p>\n

The validity of digital signatures and digital certificates<\/span> <\/span><\/h2>\n

When discussing digital signatures or digital certificates, another crucial aspect is their respective validity. In this regard,<\/span>both have a period of validity, which is generally one year or more.<\/b>But what happens when that period expires and they become invalid?<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

The<\/span>renewal or acquisition of a new digital certificate are necessary processes that you should keep in mind or noted<\/b>to maintain the integrity of your digital signatures. In such a situation, you should know where or to whom to turn to renew them:<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

In Spain, for example,<\/span>the issuing entity for digital certificates and signatures is usually the<\/b> National Mint and Stamp Factory (FNMT).<\/b><\/a>However,<\/span>there are also other<\/b> authorized certifying entities<\/b>, such as<\/span> Izenpe<\/b><\/a> in the Basque Country (the electronic identification service of the Basque Government).<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

The point is that<\/span>the digital signature is valid as long as the associated digital certificate is current.<\/b>When the digital certificate expires or is revoked, signatures made with that certificate will no longer be valid. Therefore, it is essential to renew the certificate to ensure the continuity of your business operations.<\/span><\/p>\n

In turn, the EU has also taken charge of ensuring the security and validity of cross-border operations. To this end, it offers the <\/span>eIDAS regulation,<\/b><\/a> which provides greater security and convenience to any online activity requiring a digital signature<\/b>. These would include, for example:<\/span><\/p>\n