ECDSA Signatures

Definition ∞ ECDSA signatures are digital verification methods based on elliptic curve cryptography. These signatures provide authenticity and integrity for digital messages and transactions, ensuring that data originates from a legitimate sender and remains unaltered. They are a core component of many cryptocurrency systems, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, for authorizing asset transfers. The algorithm relies on complex mathematical problems associated with elliptic curves to maintain security.
Context ∞ ECDSA signatures are a fundamental security mechanism in the digital asset space, regularly appearing in technical news concerning blockchain security or cryptographic advancements. While widely adopted, discussions sometimes arise regarding their susceptibility to quantum computing attacks in the long term. The transition to more quantum-resistant signature schemes represents a significant future consideration for the security of digital assets.