Anyone bought a Digital ID?

[Takkies]

I'm thinking about getting a digital ID. I want to protect email communication from MS Outlook. Thawte seem to have a freebee. Of course there’s also the proper one from VeriSign (and others). Has anybody tried this?

If so, do the recipients of your emails understand the technology? Do banks and insurance co's give the email more credibility?

 

[gregmcc]

I've been using the free one from Thawte for the past 10 years or so. Works like a bomb. No need to buy one.

With a digital cert it means your mails are signed meaning when the recipient receives them they are guaranteed to be untampered with. Anyone can still interecept the mail and read it though.

If the recipient also has a digital cert (not many do) and you've swapped public certs then you can exchange encrypted mail. If someone intercepts the mail they will be unable to decipher it.

For 100% security you need to sign and encrypt your mail.

I've yet to see it really take off between corporates. But its handy if all your friends have certs you can then encrypt your mails.