What is a digital signature and how does it function?
A digital signature is a cryptographic technique used to validate the authenticity and integrity of a digital message or document. It functions by applying a hash function to the content and then encrypting the hash value with the sender's private key, creating a unique signature. Recipients can verify the signature by decrypting it using the sender's public key and comparing it to the hash of the received content. This process ensures that the message has not been altered and confirms the sender's identity, thereby enhancing security in digital communications.