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Simple English definitions for legal terms
certification authority
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A quick definition of certification authority:
A certification authority is a group that gives out digital certificates and keeps a list of them on the Internet. They make sure that the certificates are real and trustworthy. Some states have rules for certification authorities. You might see it written as CA or certifying authority.
A more thorough explanation:
A certification authority (CA) is an organization that issues digital certificates and maintains a database of certificates available on the Internet. These certificates are used to verify the identity of individuals, organizations, or devices in online transactions.
For example, when you visit a website that uses HTTPS, your browser checks the website's digital certificate to make sure it was issued by a trusted CA. This helps ensure that you are communicating with the intended website and not a fraudulent one.
Many states have licensing laws for certification authorities to ensure that they follow certain standards and procedures when issuing certificates. This helps maintain the security and integrity of the digital certificate system.