ISSUING
TAMPER-PROOF CERTIFICATES

Certificate fraud is a global and borderless threat with dire consequences for the issuers, holders and verifiers of valued certificates and ‘living’ documents. With the expansion of digital technology and the internet, legitimate certificate- and document-issuing authorities are under increasing pressure to protect their reputation as issuers, safeguard the integrity of holders’ credentials and reduce the administrative burden of direct verification requests. Document holders rely on trusted certificates to go about their daily lives and access study, work and critical social services, while verifiers such as employers and service providers, need quick and foolproof ways to verify that certificates are valid and authentic in order to build trusted relationships.

Government documents at risk

Numerous cases of fraud have been reported in relation to the misuse of government-issued certificates, such as those issued for birth, death or marriage. Although birth certificates were originally intended for the sole purpose of birth registration, they are now used extensively for employment purposes and to obtain benefits or other documents used for identification (including drivers’ licences, social security and passports). The need for an effective means to authenticate and verify certificates issued by legitimate authorities has never been so strong.

Academic institutions under pressure

Academic institutions worldwide are under increasing pressure to safeguard their brands and the authenticity of alumni credentials amid the rapid growth in forged certificates/diplomas and the emergence of bogus educational establishments. Degree fraud remains a risk for institutions unless they implement trusted issuing and verification measures, which protect brand value and instill confidence among the graduate community and employers.

Notary services exposed

Notary fraud is more common than many people think. Valuable documents and records are sometimes notarised without the knowledge or consent of the holder. Some countries lack a proper system to verify the legitimacy of notary services, leaving people at risk of fraud and undermining legitimate providers, who need new solutions to bolster the integrity of their services.

Responding to new needs in health

Health emergencies, whether global or local, create new needs and responses that enable people to get on with their lives. There is increasing demand from local and central authorities, national sports associations and travel and transport services for new ways to quickly and accurately verify health status.  Addressing these needs will help ensure that people can continue to be active and productive in the very pastimes and occupations that are essential for a normal and healthy life.

SICPA has developed a breakthrough digital seal technology, CERTUS®, to enable document issuers like educational institutions, government bodies or notaries to issue tamper-proof certificates and documents.  This cost-effective security solution sets a new standard in securing sensitive paper-based and digital documents, credentials and qualifications.

Read about the CERTUS® solution and visit the CERTUS® universal verifier to find out more.