ECDSA

Definition ∞ ECDSA, or Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm, is a cryptographic method used to create digital signatures that verify the authenticity and integrity of digital data. ECDSA is a fundamental component of many cryptocurrency systems, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, for securing transactions. It enables users to prove ownership of funds without revealing their private keys.
Context ∞ ECDSA serves as a core security primitive in nearly all major digital asset protocols, ensuring the non-repudiation of transactions. While highly efficient and secure with current technology, discussions sometimes arise regarding its long-term resistance to quantum computing. Upgrades and alternatives, such as Schnorr signatures, are topics of ongoing development and potential future protocol enhancements.