Digital Signature

A digital signature is a mathematical scheme for demonstrating the authenticity of digital messages or documents. It a virtual fingerprint that is unique to a person and is used to identify signers and secure data in digital documents. It is a type of electronic signature that ensures compliance with legal regulations by providing the validity and authenticity of a digital document and signer’s identity. Digital signatures can provide proof of origin, time, identity, and status of a digital document. A signature confirms that the data emanated from the signer and has not been tampered with during transit.

A digital signature is a type of electronic signature where a mathematical algorithm is routinely used to validate the authenticity and integrity of a message (e.g., an email, a credit card transaction, or a digital document). Digital signatures create a virtual fingerprint that is unique to an individual or entity and are used to identify users and protect the information in digital messages or documents and ensures no distortion occurs when in transit between signer and receiver. In emails, the email as a whole also becomes a part of the digital signature. Digital signatures are significantly more reliable and secure than other forms of electronic signatures.