certification authorities

Certification authorities (CAs) are trusted entities responsible for issuing digital certificates that verify the identity of organizations, websites, or individuals online. Think of them as digital passport issuers—when a website has a certificate from a CA, it helps users confirm that the site is legitimate and secure. CAs use cryptographic methods to create and manage these certificates, ensuring safe communication and data exchange over the internet. Their role is critical in establishing trust, enabling secure transactions, and preventing impersonation or fraud in digital interactions.