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Certificate Authority or Certifying Authority (CA)

A trusted entity that issues digital certificates to verify the identity of non-human entities (NHIs).

Description

In the context of Non-Human Identities (NHIs), a Certificate Authority (CA) plays a crucial role in establishing trust within digital communications. NHIs can include devices, services, applications, or any non-human entity that requires authentication and secure communications over the internet. The CA is responsible for issuing digital certificates that contain the public key of the NHI, along with information about the entity’s identity and the CA itself. These certificates help ensure that communications are encrypted and verified, preventing impersonation and fraud. When a user or another system interacts with an NHI, the digital certificate assures them that they are communicating with the legitimate entity. The CA must maintain a high level of security and trustworthiness, as any compromise can undermine the entire trust framework of digital interactions. The use of CAs is foundational in protocols like HTTPS, where they help secure web traffic and confirm the authenticity of websites and services.

Examples

  • Let's Encrypt – A free CA that provides SSL/TLS certificates for secure website communications.
  • DigiCert – A commercial CA known for offering high-assurance certificates for enterprise-level services.

Additional Information

  • CAs are part of a broader Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) that supports secure data exchange.
  • The trustworthiness of a CA is often established through audits and compliance with industry standards.

References