Aikaleimatodistus

Aikaleimatodistus, which translates to "timestamp proof" in English, is a cryptographic method used to establish the existence of a digital document or data at a specific point in time. It does not prove the authenticity or integrity of the content itself, but rather its existence at a given moment. This is typically achieved by creating a cryptographic hash of the data and then embedding that hash into a publicly verifiable timestamping service.

The process involves a timestamping authority (TSA) that receives the data's hash. The TSA then combines this hash with the current time and its own digital signature, creating a timestamp token. This token is then often published in a public ledger, such as a distributed ledger or a blockchain. By referencing this public record, anyone can later verify that the specific data, identified by its hash, existed before the timestamp was issued.

Aikaleimatodistus is valuable for various applications, including legal document archival, intellectual property protection, and ensuring the immutability of records. It provides a strong defense against claims of data manipulation or backdating. The security of the system relies on the trustworthiness and the cryptographic strength of the TSA and the underlying public ledger.