// THREAT DETECTION AND DATA PRIVACY TERM
Digital Signature
A digital signature is an encrypted electronic mark that verifies the authenticity and integrity of a digital document or message, much like a handwritten signature on a paper document. It ensures that the data has not been tampered with and confirms the identity of the sender.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
A digital signature is a cryptographic mechanism leveraging public-key cryptography, a hash function, and a sender's private key to guarantee the authenticity, integrity, and non-repudiation of digital communications. The recipient validates the signature using the sender's public key, confirming the data's origin and that it remains unaltered.
BACKGROUND
Computer security is a subdiscipline within the field of information security. It focuses on protecting computer software, systems, and networks from threats that can lead to unauthorized information disclosure, theft, or damage to hardware, software, or data, as well as to the disruption or misdirection of the services they provide.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- electronic signature
- cryptographic signature
- e-signature (specific type)
- public-key signature
USAGE NOTE
Digital signatures are fundamental in cybersecurity for secure software distribution, legally binding electronic contracts, and protecting data in transit or at rest within defense systems.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Digital Signature.
Entrust is a global leader in identity, secure transactions, and data protection, providing solutions for digital signatures, public key infrastructure (PKI), digital certificates, and hardware security modules (HSMs) critical for securing digital interactions and data.
DigiCert is one of the world's leading providers of TLS/SSL, IoT, and other PKI-based security solutions, including digital certificates that underpin digital signatures for website security, document signing, and code signing.
Thales provides advanced data protection and cybersecurity solutions, including hardware security modules (HSMs) that securely generate, store, and protect cryptographic keys essential for robust digital signature implementation across enterprise and defense sectors.
Adobe develops software solutions that integrate digital signatures, most notably through Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Sign, enabling secure and legally compliant electronic document signing and validation leveraging robust cryptographic standards.
DocuSign provides technology for electronic signatures and digital transaction management, utilizing digital signature technology to ensure the authenticity, integrity, and non-repudiation of documents signed electronically for businesses worldwide.
NIST is a non-regulatory federal agency that develops and issues standards, guidelines, and frameworks for cybersecurity, including cryptographic algorithms and digital signature standards (e.g., FIPS 186) used globally by government and industry.
Sectigo is a major Certificate Authority (CA) providing a comprehensive suite of digital certificate solutions, including those for document signing and code signing, which are fundamental to establishing trusted digital signatures.
IBM offers enterprise-grade security solutions, including those for public key infrastructure (PKI) and digital signature services, enabling secure digital transactions, identity verification, and data integrity for large organizations and governments.