Primary definition
In a hierarchical public key infrastructure (PKI), the certification authority (CA) whose public key serves as the most trusted datum (i.e., the beginning of trust paths) for a security domain. Source: NIST SP 800-32
Also known asRoot CA · Root Certification Authority · Top-Level CA · Trust Anchor
1 sources cited4 related termsReviewed Aug 10, 2026
— Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015View source
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CNSSGC
In a hierarchical public key infrastructure (PKI), the certification authority (CA) whose public key serves as the most trusted datum (i.e., the beginning of trust paths) for a security domain. Source: NIST SP 800-32
Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015 · 2024
Cite this term
Permanent URL · stable across revisions
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Root Certificate Authority. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 21, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/root-certificate-authority
Sources
1 cited · last checked Aug 10, 2026
01
Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015
Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015
Single-source
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