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Risk & Compliance

Digital Trust Services: WebTrust Certification for CAs

Aprio’s in-depth experience in WebTrust certifications enables us to align your PKI operations with global standards and build long-term trust. 

Key lifecycle management.
System integrity.
Certification Practice Statements.

Account for Anything™ with Aprio

Certification Authorities (CAs) are the pillars of our digital ecosystem, helping verify the integrity and security of the websites we use every day. But in order to issue certificates that browsers trust, CAs rely on WebTrust audits to help them demonstrate compliance and foster confidence.

Aprio helps CAs seamlessly navigate the complexities of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and WebTrust compliance, providing end-to-end solutions that meet rigorous lifecycle assurance requirements and take emerging industry trends into consideration. With decades of experience, including contributions to the original WebTrust Task Force, our auditors bring unmatched technical proficiency and practical insight to every engagement. Our comprehensive suite of services, including support for SOC, FedRAMP, CMMC, ISO, and PCI, enables us to provide seamless compliance across frameworks with a “Measure Once, Report Many” approach. We guide clients through industry-specific audits, delivering high-quality, actionable reports that strengthen security, demonstrate compliance, and preserve trust.

Our WebTrust Certification Process

Build trust that transcends digital boundaries with Aprio’s proven steps for achieving WebTrust Certification:

  • Planning

    Aprio will work with your team to define objectives, scope and deliverables so you can have a clear roadmap for your WebTrust certification journey.

  • Kickoff & Understanding

    Our team will confirm goals and address any outstanding items. This phase is in place to maintain seamless communication, aligning all stakeholders before the audit begins.

  • Testing & Evidence Gathering

    We’ll gather and evaluate evidence as part of the audit to confirm your compliance with WebTrust standards, maintaining transparency and efficiency throughout.

  • Reporting

    Once we’ve completed the audit, our team will deliver thorough, actionable reports for your comprehensive use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is WebTrust Certification, and why is it important for Certification Authorities (CAs)?

WebTrust Certification is a globally-recognized standard that ensures Certification Authorities (CAs) adhere to best practices in security, availability, confidentiality and privacy. For CAs, it’s a critical credential that builds trust with users, browsers, and relying parties, demonstrating that their operations are secure, transparent and compliant with industry standards. Simply put, it validates that a CA can be trusted to safeguard digital communication and data integrity.

How does Aprio help Certification Authorities achieve WebTrust compliance?

We guide Certification Authorities through every step of the WebTrust compliance journey. From assessing existing practices against WebTrust principles to preparing documentation and facilitating audits, our team provides actionable insights and tailored recommendations.

What are the key areas covered in a WebTrust audit?

A WebTrust audit focuses on several critical areas, including:

  • Security: Safeguarding cryptographic keys and sensitive data.
  • Certificate issuance and management: Assuring proper validation, revocation and renewal processes.
  • Operational practices: Verifying adherence to Certification Practice Statements (CPS) and Certificate Policies (CP).
  • Compliance with industry standards: Aligning with CABF requirements and PKI frameworks.
What is the role of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) in WebTrust certification?

PKI is the backbone of WebTrust certification. It provides the framework for creating, managing and distributing digital certificates that underpin secure communications. WebTrust assures that CAs operating within a PKI environment follow strict protocols to maintain the trustworthiness of certificates issued, including secure root key management and reliable public key distribution.

What is the difference between SSL and Extended Validation (EV) certificates?

Both SSL and Extended Validation (EV) certificates encrypt data, but they differ in the level of trust they convey:

  • SSL Certificates: Provide basic encryption and identity verification for secure connections.
  • EV Certificates: Offer the highest level of validation by rigorously verifying the organization’s identity, often displaying a green address bar or other visual cues in browsers. EV certificates are ideal for organizations that need to maximize trust, such as financial institutions and e-commerce platforms.
How does WebTrust verify compliance with the CA Browser Forum (CABF) standards?

WebTrust audits are designed to align with CABF guidelines, which set the standards for SSL Baseline and Extended Validation certificates. By evaluating a CA’s adherence to these guidelines, WebTrust certification confirms that the CA is meeting the stringent requirements set by the CABF to verify secure and reliable digital communications.

What is the importance of Root key generation and Hardware Security Modules (HSM)?

Root key generation is a critical process in PKI, creating the foundation for all subsequent cryptographic operations. When paired with Hardware Security Modules (HSM), which provide secure environments for generating, storing, and managing keys, it makes sure that root keys remain uncompromised. Together, these elements are vital for maintaining the integrity and security of a CA’s operations.

How does Aprio’s knowledge benefit organizations looking to achieve WebTrust compliance?

Aprio combines decades of experience with industry-leading insights to guide organizations through the complexities of WebTrust compliance. Our team includes pioneers in WebTrust standards, offering unparalleled support in areas like Certification Practices Statements (CPS), key lifecycle management, and CABF alignment. Contact us today to learn more.

Build trust that transcends digital boundaries.

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