A digital signature is an electronic form of authentication that provides integrity, non-repudiation, and authentication of a digital message or document. It is the digital equivalent of a handwritten signature or a stamped seal, but with added security measures to ensure its authenticity.

A digital signature is created using a cryptographic algorithm and a unique private key only the signer can access. When a document is signed using a digital signature, the algorithm generates a unique code, known as a hash, which is then encrypted using the signer’s private key. The encrypted hash is attached to the document, creating a digital signature that can be verified by anyone with access to the signer’s public key.

Digital signatures are widely used in business and government transactions to ensure the authenticity and integrity of digital documents. They provide a higher level of security than traditional handwritten signatures or physical seals, as they cannot be easily forged or tampered with.