Which of the following best describes the trust model for secure web browsing?

The correct choice outlines the sequence in which trust is established for secure web browsing through Public Key Infrastructure (PKI). In this model, the user interacts with the browser, which is responsible for validating the security information of a website via the Certificate Authority (CA).

When a user attempts to connect to a website using HTTPS, the browser requests the website's SSL/TLS certificate to ensure its authenticity. The browser then checks this certificate against a list of trusted Certificate Authorities. If the CA has issued a valid certificate for that website, the browser verifies its authenticity and establishes a secure connection.

This interaction ensures that the user is actually communicating with the legitimate website rather than an imposter. The trust established by this model is essential for protecting sensitive data transmitted over the internet, such as personal information and payment details. Each component plays a critical role in upholding the security and integrity of online communications, confirming that the correct answer accurately represents how trust is established in secure web browsing.