The Role of Certificate Authorities

Certificate Authorities (CAs) play a pivotal role in the SSL ecosystem. These trusted third-party organizations are responsible for issuing SSL certificates after verifying the identity of the certificate applicant to varying degrees depending on the certificate type. Major CAs include companies like DigiCert, Sectigo (formerly Comodo), GlobalSign, and Let's Encrypt. Each CA must adhere to strict industry standards and undergo regular audits to maintain their trusted status in web browsers and operating systems.

The validation process performed by CAs is what gives SSL certificates their trustworthiness. When a CA issues a certificate, they're essentially vouching for the identity of the certificate holder. This vouching system creates a chain of trust that browsers rely on to determine whether a website is legitimate. The rigor of this validation process varies significantly between DV, OV, and EV certificates, which is why understanding these differences is crucial for choosing the right certificate for your needs.