GLOSSARY · BLOCKCHAIN & WEB3
Digital signature
What a digital signature is in blockchain: how cryptography proves who sent a transaction and that nobody altered it, and the role of the private key.
Reviewed on
What is a digital signature?
The digital signature is a cryptographic technique based on public key systems (PKI) that guarantees three fundamental pillars: authenticity, integrity and non-repudiation of the information transmitted.
The signer generates a hash of the content to be signed and encrypts it with their private key.
The recipient, using the corresponding public key, can verify that the content has not been modified and that the signer is who they say they are.
This mechanism is integrated into cybersecurity standards, blockchain, smart contracts and digital identity systems, complying with regulations such as eIDAS in Europe.
Learn more: What Is Blockchain and How Does It Work? Types, Real Examples and Limits
Explained simply
A digital signature is like a written signature, but it's done with technology.
It is used to ensure that an electronic document, such as a contract or statement, has not been modified since it was signed.
It also confirms that the correct person sent it.
It is very useful in online procedures, companies, banks and governments because it helps prevent fraud and ensures that everything is legal and authentic, without the need for paper.
Digital signature: key points
- Uses public and private key cryptography
- Guarantees that the message or document has not been altered
- Ensures that the signer is who they say they are (authentication)
- Allows you to verify documents remotely and securely
- It is legally valid in many countries under regulatory frameworks
- It is applied in blockchain, smart contracts, digital identity and more
Digital signature: advantages
- High security: Protects information integrity with advanced cryptographic algorithms
- Legal validity: In many countries, a digital signature has the same value as a handwritten signature
- Saving time and resources: Facilitates processes without paper, in-person signatures or physical shipments
- Traceability and auditing: Allows you to record and verify when and who signed a document
- Applicable to smart contracts: It is essential for validating transactions and actions within dApps
Digital signature: disadvantages
- Technology dependency: Requires software, digital keys and in some cases specific hardware
- Risk of impersonation if the private key is compromised
- Can be complex for non-technical users if not accompanied by a good user experience
- Need for a trusted infrastructure (PKI), which must be kept secure and up to date
- Transnational legal issues: Not all countries have the same level of legal recognition
RELATED CONCEPTS
KEEP LEARNING
RELATED SERVICES