X.509 certificates are digital keys used to ensure that the authenticity of a server (e.g., a website) or a person is verified. These certificates contain information such as the name of the website or person, the issuer of the certificate (a trusted entity that issued the certificate), the public key, and a digital signature that confirms the authenticity of the certificate. For example, when visiting a website, the web browser checks the SSL/HTTPS certificate of the website. The certificate contains the website's public key, which is used to encrypt the data between the browser and the website. This ensures that no one can intercept or manipulate the transmitted data. The certificate also contains information about the identity of the website, which has been verified by the issuing body. If the certificate was issued by a trusted certificate authority and is valid, the browser will indicate that the connection is secure. You may see a lock icon or a green address bar to indicate that the connection is encrypted and you can safely browse the website. X.509 certificates are used to ensure that one is communicating with the right websites and that one's data is protected when online. DP coordinators are able to apply for certificates on their own.