A root certificate functions as the foundation of trust within a public key infrastructure (PKI). The root certificate associated with Baltimore CyberTrust serves as a crucial component for validating the authenticity and integrity of digital certificates issued under its authority. The acquisition of this root certificate involves obtaining a digital file that can be installed within a system’s trusted root certificate store. This process allows the system to verify the legitimacy of digital certificates signed by Baltimore CyberTrust, ensuring secure communication and data exchange.
The significance of possessing the Baltimore CyberTrust root certificate lies in its ability to establish a chain of trust. This trust is paramount for secure web browsing, secure email communication, and other applications that rely on digital certificates for authentication and encryption. Historically, Baltimore Technologies, later CyberTrust, played a vital role in the early development and deployment of PKI. The root certificate’s continued relevance stems from the legacy systems and applications that still rely on certificates issued under this root. Without this certificate, systems may display warnings or errors when encountering digitally signed content validated by this root authority, potentially disrupting critical processes.
