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Home / Glossary / DSA
Glossary · Security

DSA

Digital Signature Algorithm

In plain language

A standard method for signing digital documents so recipients can check who made them and that nothing changed.

The metaphor

Like a signature that is different on every page, which only the signer could have written.

Going deeper

How it works

  • A private key signs.
  • A public key verifies.
  • A US standard.
  • Largely replaced by newer methods.
In practice
  • Older SSH keys used it.
  • A software package carries a signature.
  • A modern tool disables it by default.

A question owners ask

Is it still used?

Rarely. Modern SSH software disables it by default.

Related terms
AAAAuthentication, Authorization, and AccountingAccount takeoverACLAccess Control ListAdmin accountAESAdvanced Encryption StandardAES-256Advanced Encryption Standards 256-bitAISAutomated Indicator SharingAPTAdvanced Persistent Threat

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