Primary definition
In a hierarchical Public Key Infrastructure, the Certification Authority whose public key serves as the most trusted datum (i.e., the beginning of trust paths) for a security domain. (SP 800-32; CNSSI-4009) (NISTIR)
Also known asRoot CA · Root Certificate Authority · Root Authority · Top-Level Certification Authority · Trust Anchor
1 sources cited4 related termsReviewed Aug 10, 2026
— The Cyber GlossaryView source
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TCG
In a hierarchical Public Key Infrastructure, the Certification Authority whose public key serves as the most trusted datum (i.e., the beginning of trust paths) for a security domain. (SP 800-32; CNSSI-4009) (NISTIR)
The Cyber Glossary · 2024
Cite this term
Permanent URL · stable across revisions
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Root Certification Authority. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 22, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/root-certification-authority
Sources
1 cited · last checked Aug 10, 2026
01
The Cyber Glossary
The Cyber Glossary
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