Digital Trust Services: WebTrust Certification for CAs
Certification Authorities (CAs) are the pillars of secure digital ecosystems, enabling the integrity of every connection. With our team’s in-depth experience and specialized knowledge in WebTrust certifications, we help you align your PKI operations with global standards to build trust that transcends boundaries.
Partner with us to shape the future of digital identity and security.
Delivering Solutions to Navigate Compliance
Aprio’s experience and full-service offerings make achieving compliance simpler and more efficient. As a member of the original WebTrust Task Force and past Chair, we have intricate knowledge of this service and are able to keep you abreast of emerging industry trends and potential changes to program requirements in a timely manner. With our comprehensive suite of services, including SOC, FedRAMP, CMMC, ISO and PCI, we are able to provide seamless compliance in a highly efficient manner by “Measure Once, Report Many” to comply with various frameworks in your scope of services. This reduces audit* fatigue on your team allowing you to focus on other priorities in your business.
Deliver WebTrust certification with confidence
Backed by WebTrust leaders, Aprio enables adherence to CABF standards and Trusted Root Program requirements.
Scoping key and certificate lifecycles management
From registration authority services to secure key escrow, we offer end-to-end solutions for cryptographic keys. Our services satisfy the cradle to grave certificate lifecycle assurance requirements and expectations of the consumers.
Achieve certification attesting* to your compliance with trusted root requirements to ensure the ongoing trust worthiness of your digital certificates
We deliver high quality, timely audit reports addressing the underlying requirements of the CABF and Trusted Root Programs.
Securing Your Digital Future with Trusted Assurance
It is imperative for organizations operating within PKI and dealing with certification authorities’ rigorous demands to ensure trust, reliability and security to engage a qualified WebTrust provider to provide a high quality, leveraged and efficient audit approach. Meeting compliance standards like SSL Baseline, Extended Validation, Code Signing and S/MIME can strain resources while maintaining the confidence of relying parties. These demands can challenge even the most prepared teams.
Aprio simplifies the process with our approach that begins with the requirements of WebTrust for Certification Authorities and layers in other relevant requirements as set forth by the CABF and Trusted Root Programs. We invest substantial time in this industry through our regular participation in the CABF, learning what new trends are present in the ecosystem, mirroring tools used by the specialists in the community, and constantly enhancing our audit approach to ensure we properly address risk and support our clients’ initiatives to preserve their trust worthiness.
Our WebTrust Certification Process
Planning
The foundation of every successful engagement begins with thorough 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 and Understanding
Our team conducts kickoff meetings to confirm goals and address any outstanding items. This phase is in place to maintain seamless communication, aligning all stakeholders before the audit begins.
Testing and Evidence Gathering
During this phase, Aprio gathers and evaluates evidence to confirm compliance with WebTrust standards. We will work closely with your team to maintain transparency and efficiency throughout the process.
Reporting
Aprio delivers clear, thorough and actionable reports for your comprehensive use. Within two weeks of audit’s completion, we provide a draft report for review, followed by a final report within 30 days, and within the 90-day requirement as set forth by the Trust Root Programs.
A Leader in Global Compliance and WebTrust Certification Services
Aprio combines decades of experience with cutting-edge methodologies to deliver unmatched compliance solutions. Aprio has worked with clients ranging from startups to Fortune 100 companies, bringing tailored solutions that fit your specific business needs.
Aprio stands out as one of the few firms offering a full suite of Risk Assurance Services*, including WebTrust, SOC, PCI, and ISO certifications. We are also equipped to support Certification Authorities requiring FedRAMP, StateRAMP or CMMC compliance.
This comprehensive capability simplifies compliance journey by removing the need to work with multiple vendors. Our “Measure Once, Report Many” process saves time and resources by addressing multiple certifications in one streamlined approach.
500+
Clients ranging from startups to market leaders
96%
Client renewal rate
10,000+
Security-related audit reports and certifications
FAQs
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.
At Aprio, 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, we simplify the process. Our team provides actionable insights and tailored recommendations, making sure that you meet WebTrust criteria efficiently and with confidence.
A WebTrust audit focuses on several critical areas, including:
- Security: Safeguarding cryptographic keys and sensitive data.
- Certificate issuance and management: Ensuring 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.
PKI is the backbone of WebTrust certification. It provides the framework for creating, managing and distributing digital certificates that underpin secure communications. WebTrust ensures 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.
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.
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 ensure secure and reliable digital communications.
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 ensures that root keys remain uncompromised. Together, these elements are vital for maintaining the integrity and security of a CA’s operations.
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. With Aprio, you’re not just meeting compliance—you’re building a foundation of trust that supports growth and resilience.