Digitaalallkirja

Digitaalallkirja, often translated as digital signature, is a cryptographic method used to verify the authenticity and integrity of a digital document. It ensures that the document has not been tampered with since it was signed and confirms the identity of the signatory. Essentially, it's the digital equivalent of a handwritten signature.

The process typically involves a pair of keys: a private key and a public key. The signatory uses their private key to create the digital signature, which is mathematically linked to the document. Anyone can then use the signatory's corresponding public key to verify that the signature is valid and that the document has not been altered. This verification process confirms that the signature was indeed created with the matching private key.

Digital signatures are crucial for secure electronic transactions and communications. They are widely used in e-commerce, online banking, legal documents, and any situation where proof of origin and unaltered content is necessary. In many jurisdictions, a legally recognized digital signature holds the same weight as a traditional handwritten signature. The technology relies on public key infrastructure (PKI) to manage and distribute these keys securely.