Primary definition
In a hierarchical public key infrastructure (PKI), a certification authority (CA) who has certified the certificate signature key of another CA, and who constrains the activities of that CA. See subordinate certification authority. Source: NIST SP 800-32
Also known asroot CA · root certification authority · top-level CA · trust anchor
2 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), a certification authority (CA) who has certified the certificate signature key of another CA, and who constrains the activities of that CA. See subordinate certification authority. 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). Superior Certification Authority. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 21, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/superior-certification-authority
Sources
2 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
High consensus
02
The Cyber Glossary
The Cyber Glossary
Multi-source
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