Question

Digital signatures are used to ensure:

1. Authenticity and integrity of a message
2. Security in digital communications
3. Unique identification of each signer
4. Prevention of tampering and impersonation

• A. 1 only
• B. All of these
• C. 3, 4
• D. 2, 3

Answer 1

Answer:

B. All of these

Digital signature

• A digital signature is a cryptographic technique that is used to verify the authenticity and integrity of a digital message, document, or software.
• It acts as a digital counterpart to a handwritten signature or a stamped seal, providing increased security in electronic communications.
• Digital signatures are designed to address issues like tampering and impersonation in digital transactions.

The working of digital signatures typically includes 3 main processes :

1.Key Generation:

• • A digital signature solution typically employs a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) protocol.
  • This process involves generating two distinct long numbers known as keys - a public key and a private key.

2.Signing Process:

• • When a signer electronically signs a document, the signature is created using their private key, which is securely stored and known only to the signer.
  • A mathematical algorithm is used to create a hash, a unique data sequence matching the signed document.
  • This data is then encrypted, resulting in the digital signature.

3.Verification:

• • The digital signature is also time-stamped to indicate when the document was signed.
  • If any alterations are made to the document after signing, the digital signature becomes invalid, indicating potential tampering.