A Certificate Authority (CA) is a trusted entity responsible for issuing, managing, and revoking digital certificates used in public key cryptography. These certificates allow for secure communication over the internet by verifying the identity of a website’s server or user. The CA creates a digital signature that is attached to the certificate to confirm its authenticity. This enables the recipient to trust that the information being transmitted is coming from a legitimate source. CAs are an essential component of secure online transactions and play a critical role in ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of online data.