The CA/Browser Forum (CAB Forum) is an industry consortium that brings together Certificate Authorities (CAs) and web browser vendors to define and maintain security standards for digital certificates, especially SSL/TLS certificates. Founded in 2005, the forum’s mission is to improve the security, interoperability, and trustworthiness of the internet by creating baseline requirements for certificate issuance, validation, and management.
Members include major web browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Apple Safari, alongside prominent CAs such as DigiCert, Sectigo, and GlobalSign. Together, they define guidelines—like the Baseline Requirements for SSL/TLS Certificates—that ensure websites can use HTTPS safely, protecting users’ data from interception or tampering.
The CAB Forum also evaluates emerging technologies and responds to new security threats, keeping the web a trusted platform for commerce, communication, and services. From validating a domain to issuing a secure certificate, the rules set by the CA/Browser Forum help make online connections safe for everyone.
In short, the CA/Browser Forum is a key driver behind the rules and best practices that make secure online connections possible—ensuring that every padlock you see in your browser truly means your data is safe.