Glossary
This section provides a clear overview of the main concepts used throughout the CertiShop platform and documentation. Understanding these terms is essential for working with digital certificates, decentralized identity protocols, and verifiable credentials within CertiShop.
DID Protocol (Decentralized Identifier Protocol)
A DID protocol is a standard that enables the creation of decentralized identifiers (DIDs), which are unique digital identifiers that do not rely on centralized authorities like traditional digital identities. DIDs can be used to verify identities and credentials in a secure and privacy-respecting manner across decentralized networks. In CertiShop, DID protocols (e.g., Walt.ID) ensure that digital certificates are tied to verifiable, decentralized identities that can be authenticated without centralized intermediaries.
DID Key
A DID Key is a cryptographic key pair associated with a decentralized identifier (DID). It is used to sign and verify data related to the DID, ensuring the authenticity and integrity of the information. In the context of CertiShop, DID keys are used to manage the secure issuance and verification of credentials. The key is managed server-side by WalliD, while allowing the issuer control over credential creation and management.
Blockchain
A Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology that records transactions across many computers in a way that ensures data integrity and security. In the context of CertiShop, blockchain is used to store verifiable credentials and DID transactions in a decentralized manner, making it impossible to tamper with or alter issued certificates. Blockchain ensures that certificates can be verified independently by anyone with access to the blockchain, providing an immutable and transparent record of the certificate’s validity.
Certificate Authority (CA)
A Certificate Authority (CA) is an organization or entity authorized to issue digital certificates. These certificates validate the identity of the certificate holder and ensure the authenticity of the data tied to them. In CertiShop, organizations that use the platform can act as Certificate Authorities, issuing verifiable credentials to their users. The CertiShop API enables CA creation and management, ensuring that digital certificates comply with decentralized identity standards.
Verifiable Credentials (VCs)
Verifiable Credentials (VCs) are digital statements about a person, organization, or thing that can be cryptographically verified. They follow the W3C Verifiable Credentials standard, which ensures that credentials are tamper-proof, secure, and can be verified independently. In CertiShop, VCs are issued through the platform as digital certificates and contain both fixed attributes (e.g., issuer details) and dynamic data (e.g., recipient name). VCs can be stored in digital wallets and verified using DID protocols.
ID Wallets
An ID Wallet (or digital wallet) is a secure digital storage that holds verifiable credentials, such as certificates and identity proofs. These wallets are compliant with DID standards and allow users to manage and control their personal credentials. In CertiShop, after receiving their digital certificate, users can store it in an EU-compliant ID wallet, ensuring secure storage and easy access to their verifiable credentials.
Certificate Template
A Certificate Template is a predefined structure used to design and issue digital certificates. In CertiShop, organizations can use the Template Editor to create certificate templates with fixed text (e.g., certificate titles) and dynamic placeholders (e.g., recipient name). These templates ensure consistency and allow for mass issuance of certificates with customized details for each recipient.
Verifiable Certificate
A Verifiable Certificate is a digital certificate issued following the W3C Verifiable Credentials format and secured using cryptographic methods (such as DID protocols). Each verifiable certificate issued through CertiShop can be checked for authenticity through a QR code or verification link that connects to the CertiShop verification system. This ensures that the certificate is tied to a verifiable DID and has not been tampered with.
eIDAS (Electronic Identification, Authentication and Trust Services)
eIDAS is an EU regulation that provides a framework for secure electronic identification (eID) and trust services across EU member states. It ensures that electronic transactions, signatures, and certificates are legally valid and enforceable throughout the European Union. The goal of eIDAS is to create a single digital market, enabling cross-border recognition of digital identities and secure digital interactions between governments, businesses, and citizens.
For more information, visit the official EU eIDAS website.
W3C Protocols (World Wide Web Consortium Protocols)
The W3C (World Wide Web Consortium) develops protocols and standards to ensure the long-term growth of the web. In the context of digital identity, W3C Verifiable Credentials is a standard that allows credentials (e.g., certificates, identity proofs) to be expressed, verified, and shared digitally while maintaining privacy and security. W3C protocols help ensure that data is interoperable and universally verifiable across platforms and services.
For more details on W3C Verifiable Credentials, visit the W3C Verifiable Credentials documentation.
ISO mDL Standard (ISO/IEC 18013-5)
The ISO/IEC 18013-5 is a standard that defines the framework for mobile Driving Licenses (mDL). It specifies how mDLs can be stored, issued, and verified on mobile devices, ensuring secure and privacy-conscious management of driving licenses. This standard allows mobile driving licenses to be recognized and verified across different jurisdictions in a consistent, secure, and efficient way.
Learn more about the ISO mDL standard here.
OpenID 4VC (OpenID for Verifiable Credentials)
OpenID 4VC is an extension of the OpenID Connect standard, designed to support Verifiable Credentials (VCs). It provides a way to issue and verify verifiable credentials using OpenID protocols, enabling seamless integration of decentralized identity systems. OpenID 4VC leverages the power of OpenID Connect, making it easier to integrate decentralized identity solutions into existing identity infrastructures while maintaining strong security and privacy protections.
For more information, visit the OpenID Foundation page on OpenID for Verifiable Credentials.
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