What is a Certificate Authority? The Top 5 Certificate Authorities You Should Consider

A Certificate Authority (CA) is a highly essential part of internet security, put in place to issue digital certificates that authenticate websites, organizations, and individuals online. The certificate validates websites, servers, companies, individuals and even email addresses, boosting the confidence of the end users. These certificates are critical components of the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), enabling secure communication through encryption and identity verification. The end-users can visit a website possessing a certificate authority with confidence that personal information will be safe. Linking an entity cryptographically to its public key enables Certificate Authorities to ensure that users can trust the authenticity of websites and organizations they interact with online. In this informative write-up, we will enlighten you on what a certificate authority is and also show you the top 5 certificate authorities available today.

Importance of Certificate Authorities

Certificate authorities play so many important roles in maintaining internet security. They validate the identities of domain owners, organizations, or individuals through processes like domain validation (DV), organization validation (OV), and extended validation (EV). They also issue digital certificates, including SSL/TLS certificates, which enable encrypted communication and establish trust between users and servers. 

In addition, certificate authorities maintain certificate revocation lists to identify invalid certificates before their expiration. They equally help organizations adhere to regulatory standards like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS by providing secure certificates. Without CAs, online transactions such as banking, e-commerce, and data exchanges would be vulnerable to cyber threats like phishing and man-in-the-middle attacks.

Top 5 Certificate Authorities to Consider

The certificate authority market is highly competitive, with several players offering robust solutions tailored for different use cases. Check below for the five leading CAs you should consider:

1. DigiCert

DigiCert is one of the most trusted names in the CA industry and it is a big name in certificate authorities. It is owned by Norton’s website security business and has made a name for itself over the years. The CA is known for its high-quality SSL/TLS certificates and advanced encryption technologies, and it serves businesses of all sizes. 

The CA provides DV, OV, EV SSL certificates, as well as specialized solutions like code signing and IoT device security. It is also notable for pioneering quantum-safe cryptographic solutions to prepare for future security challenges. In addition, its certificates are trusted by all major browsers and operating systems. The company is in partnership with companies like Deutsche Telekom highlighting its focus on innovation in digital identity management. It is undoubtedly one of the top certificate authorities worthy of note.

2. Sectigo

It was formerly called Comodo CA or Comodo SSL and it had always stood strong since inception to date as one of the top certificate authorities. The CA is a leading player offering comprehensive PKI solutions and it stands out for offering highly affordable certificates for cost-effective SSL/TLS certificates suitable for small businesses. The end-users can access a 30-day money-back guarantee upon signing up. You can also enjoy 24/7 customer support. The customer care agents can be reached via live chat and even phone calls.

In addition, Sectigo offers enterprise-grade solutions such as multi-domain SSL certificates and automated certificate lifecycle management. It equally specializes in securing IoT devices with advanced authentication protocols. The CA focus on automation and scalability makes it ideal for businesses looking to streamline their certificate management processes. Aside from being cost-effective, the service is also highly reliable.

3. GlobalSign

GlobalSign is known for its enterprise-focused PKI solutions. It offers scalable cloud-based certificate management systems and can be trusted for strong identity validation. Its EV SSL certificates provide better trust than many others by thoroughly verifying organizational identities. The CA also supports IoT device authentication and blockchain-based validation systems. It equally emphasizes enterprise security and compliance, making it a preferred choice for large organizations operating in regulated industries.

In addition, the CA can be trusted by all sizes of businesses since it is easy to manage and use. It is considered an intermediate certificate authority and does not offer a free SSL CA option. It is also not as affordable as Sectigo.

4. Entrust

Entrust Datacard has established itself over the years as a leader in digital security through innovative PKI services. The CA offers Post-Quantum Ready Solutions to meet the individual needs of its many clients. Its PKI-as-a-Service platforms are designed to withstand quantum computing threats. The CA equally caters to industries like healthcare and financial services with tailored solutions that meet compliance requirements. It is, therefore, one of the best to consider when looking for top certificate authorities.

In addition, Entrust’s automated certificate management system is designed to simplify lifecycle management for enterprises. It also focuses on emerging technologies like 5G networks and edge computing positions it as a forward-thinking CA provider.

Furthermore, the CA is easily accessible and enables the end-users to manage several certificates. The CA is, however, not free and the cost is also on the high side.

5. GoDaddy

GoDaddy is widely recognized for its user-friendly approach to SSL/TLS certification. The CA is perfect for small businesses and individual website owners; it also offers the following:

Affordable pricing: GoDaddy’s SSL certificates are competitively priced. This makes them an attractive choice for small businesses and personal websites looking to secure their online presence without breaking the bank. Their frequent discounts and bundle offers further enhance value, helping users maintain website security at a cost-effective rate.

Ease of use: The platform also simplifies the process of purchasing, installing, and managing certificates. Even beginners can navigate the user-friendly interface with ease. Automated setup options, detailed guides, and 24/7 customer support make it straightforward to implement and maintain SSL protection on your website with minimal technical knowledge or experience.

Domain registration integration: As a major domain registrar, GoDaddy allows seamless integration between domain registration and SSL certification. This convenience helps users manage everything in one place. You can secure your domain and install SSL with just a few clicks, eliminating compatibility issues and saving valuable time during the setup and renewal processes.

GoDaddy’s accessibility makes it a popular choice among small-scale website operators looking for basic security measures.

Comparison Table of Top Certificate Authorities

For Further Reading

Certificate Authorities offer rigorous validation processes that can protect against cyber threats. They also help organizations meet legal requirements for data protection. In addition, the certificates establish credibility with users by proving website authenticity. Any of the certificate authorities discussed above can serve you as desired. If you are looking for what is a certificate authority, the information provided above can also enlighten you on this. You can go for any of the top certificate authorities mentioned above as a startup. Also, you can find more interesting knowledge articles in Knowledge | PDF Agile.