Description: The Serial Number is a unique identifier for an X.509 certificate, which is part of the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI). This number is assigned by the certificate authority (CA) that issues the certificate and serves the primary function of distinguishing one certificate from another within the same CA. The format of the serial number is typically an integer that can be represented in hexadecimal format. The uniqueness of the serial number is crucial to avoid confusion and ensure the integrity of the trust chain in PKI. In the event that a certificate is revoked, the serial number is used to identify it in certificate revocation lists (CRLs) and other revocation mechanisms. Additionally, the serial number is part of the structure of the X.509 certificate, which includes other elements such as the public key, the CA’s digital signature, and the subject information. Proper management and assignment of serial numbers is fundamental to the secure operation of online communications, as it ensures that each certificate is unique and verifiable, contributing to trust in digital transactions.