A personal Digital Certificate makes it easier to access new e-government services that require user identity verification. It ensures the integrity of message exchange and the confidentiality of communication. Personal digital certificates act as a handwritten signature and are internationally recognized and valid, significantly contributing to reducing bureaucracy and improving the security of electronic transactions.

Within an academic environment, e-governance services include, among others, the electronic submission of course grades, access to educational material and international bibliography, the reception of digitally signed certificates by students and graduates, and data encryption, all of which lead to a reduction in administrative costs.

Every member of the University of West Attica can obtain one of the following certificates:

Class A: These certificates are stored only on a Secure Signature Creation Device (SSCD), which is a cryptographic device with specific specifications (e.g., a USB token). They’re used to access systems like the e-secretariat of the University of West Attica or for digitally signing documents in accordance with the requirements of Presidential Decree 25/Government Gazette 44/25-02-2014 regarding the use of electronic signatures in the Greek Public Sector. Certificates in this category cannot be copied to another medium.

Class B: These certificates can be stored on any medium, such as locally on a computer or a USB stick. They’re used for services like digitally signing documents (where the mandatory use of a Class A signature isn’t required). Certificates in this category can be copied to another medium. They need to be installed on a computer to be used.

For detailed steps on how to obtain a digital signature, please visit the University’s page: https://www.uniwa.gr/psifiaki-ypografi/