Which entity accepts requests for digital certificates and validates that the requestor has authorization?

The Registration Authority (RA) is responsible for accepting requests for digital certificates and validating that the requestor has the necessary authorization. The RA acts as a mediator between the user and the Certificate Authority (CA). It verifies the identity of the individual or entity requesting a certificate, ensuring that they meet specific criteria and have the rights to obtain that certificate.

Once the RA validates a request, it forwards it to the CA, which then issues the digital certificate. This division of responsibilities helps ensure a secure and organized process for certificate management, as the RA can focus on identity verification while the CA focuses on the actual issuance and management of the certificates.

This structure enhances the overall security of the certificate issuing process, as it separates the functions of validation and certification between different entities, reducing the risks of fraud or error.