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Home / Glossary / ECDSA
Glossary · Security

ECDSA

Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm

In plain language

A way of signing data digitally so anyone can check who signed it and that it has not been changed.

The metaphor

Like a signature stamp only you own, which anyone can check but nobody can copy.

Going deeper

How it works

  • The signer uses a private key to create the signature.
  • Anyone with the matching public key can verify it.
  • It uses the same short-key math as ECC, so it is fast.
  • It shows up in website certificates, software updates and digital wallets.
In practice
  • A phone checks the signature on an app update before installing it.
  • A website certificate is signed with it.
  • A software vendor signs a download so you can confirm it is genuine.

A question owners ask

Do I need to know which one my tools use?

No. It works in the background, and it is one of several signature methods your software picks for you.

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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