Definition ∞ A digital signature is a cryptographic mechanism used to verify the authenticity and integrity of digital messages or documents. It provides assurance to the recipient that the message originated from the claimed sender and has not been altered in transit. This is achieved by using a private key to generate a unique hash of the data, which can then be verified by anyone possessing the corresponding public key. Digital signatures are fundamental to securing transactions and communications across blockchain networks and other digital systems.
Context ∞ In the realm of digital assets, digital signatures are critical for authorizing cryptocurrency transactions and proving ownership of tokens without revealing private keys. Concerns often involve the security of private key management and the potential for quantum computing to compromise existing signature algorithms. Ongoing research focuses on developing quantum-resistant cryptographic signatures to safeguard future blockchain operations.
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