Certification Authorities Owned by Symantec: An Overview

Today, Symantec stands as a prominent player in the digital security landscape, having acquired several notable certification authorities (CAs). Originally known as VeriSign, Symantec has maintained the VeriSign CA brand, along with other acquired brands such as GeoTrust, Thawte, RapidSSL, and TC TrustCenter. This article delves into each of these certification authorities, providing an overview of their roles, histories, and significance in the digital certificate industry.

VeriSign CA

The VeriSign CA brand, now owned by Symantec, has been a cornerstone of digital security for decades. Founded in 1995, VeriSign was one of the first CAs to offer digital certificate services. With a strong focus on trust and security, VeriSign has played a crucial role in verifying domain names and securing online transactions.

GeoTrust

GeoTrust, a subsidiary of Symantec, has a history dating back to 1997. Initially, GeoTrust was acquired by Webtrust, later becoming a subsidiary of VeriSign. It specializes in various types of digital certificates, including SSL certificates, email certificates, and code signing certificates. GeoTrust's commitment to providing robust security solutions has made it a top choice for individuals and businesses alike.

Thawte

Thawte, another component of the Symantec portfolio, began in 1995 as a leading provider of digital identity solutions. Thawte was acquired by VeriSign in 1999, showcasing its industry leadership. Thawte is renowned for its focus on both security and user convenience, making it a popular choice among those requiring easy-to-use secure services.

RapidSSL

RapidSSL is a well-known digital certificate provider that was a part of GeoTrust. Launched in 1999, RapidSSL has become synonymous with quick and easy SSL certificate deployment. Symantec acquired RapidSSL in 2008, ensuring that businesses and individuals could securely establish their online presence without the need for complex procedures. The simplicity and reliability of RapidSSL make it a preferred option for many users.

TC TrustCenter

TC TrustCenter, previously associated with PGP, which was later acquired by Symantec, has played a significant role in the digital security industry. PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) was known for its strong cryptographic technologies and trust management services. The acquisition of PGP by Symantec in 2007 solidified its position in the industry. TC TrustCenter, with its expertise in trust management, offers a wide range of digital identity services.

Paradigm for Digital Security

The integration of these certification authorities into the Symantec portfolio has created a robust ecosystem, offering a comprehensive suite of digital security solutions. From secure online transactions to email and code signing, Symantec's certification authorities have established a paradigm for trust and security in the digital world.

Conclusion

As a leading offering in the digital security arena, Symantec's portfolio of certification authorities, including VeriSign, GeoTrust, Thawte, RapidSSL, and TC TrustCenter, continues to evolve. These entities have played pivotal roles in securing the digital landscape, and their combined strengths ensure that Symantec remains at the forefront of the industry.