A trusted entity that issues digital certificates to verify the identity of organizations and individuals.
Description
A Certificate Authority (CA) plays a crucial role in the realm of cybersecurity by facilitating secure communications over the internet. It is a trusted third party that issues digital certificates, which are essential for establishing secure connections between web servers and users. These certificates verify the identity of the parties involved, ensuring that users are communicating with legitimate entities. When a user visits a website, their browser checks the website's certificate against a list of trusted CAs. If the certificate is valid and issued by a recognized CA, the connection is encrypted using SSL/TLS protocols, protecting sensitive information such as passwords and credit card numbers. Major CAs also provide services like revocation of certificates, ensuring that compromised or outdated certificates cannot be used maliciously. Examples of widely recognized CAs include DigiCert and Let's Encrypt, both of which contribute to a safer online experience by fostering trust and security in digital communications.
Examples
- DigiCert: A leading CA that provides SSL certificates for secure websites.
- Let's Encrypt: A free, automated CA that offers SSL certificates to promote HTTPS adoption.
Additional Information
- CAs are essential for establishing a chain of trust in digital communications.
- They help prevent man-in-the-middle attacks by verifying the identity of websites.