e-Cert

Smart ID

e-Cert

What is e-Cert?

Hongkong Post Certification Authority e-Cert can be regarded as a user's "online identity card" for authentication purposes. It ensures integrity, confidentiality and non-repudiation of the data transmitted in an electronic transaction. The issue of e-Cert involves a trusted organisation (the Hongkong Post Certification Authority) to verify an e-Cert applicant’s identity. With an e-Cert, cardholders are able to prove their identity as well as digital signatures and can send encrypted messages. The recipient could check with the certification authority to determine if the e-Cert and digital signature attached to it are valid and genuine. The validity period of the e-Cert on smart ID card is three years. The free use period for personal e-Cert embedded in smart ID card issued by Hongkong Post Certification Authority before 1 April 2007 will continue and no fee will be charged until the end of validity period of the e-Cert (i.e. three years after it was issued). As from 1 April 2007, all new applications for embedding personal e-Cert in smart ID card will be subject to a subscription fee. For details, please click here.

Usage of e-Cert

The key to enjoying the full “anytime, anywhere” benefits of e-commerce is to ensure that the online trading environment is secure and reliable. Hongkong Post Certification Authority e-Cert may be used for public and commercial purposes such as secure email communication; e-government services; online entertainment, stock trading and payment; as well as e-banking services. Hongkong Post Certification Authority e-Cert embedded on smart ID card is adopted by a number of banks and financial institutions to provide two-factor authentication to enhance the security of e-banking.

Please click here for more information on e-Cert applications and services frequently used by the public and business.

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