idbélyegzése

Idbélyegzése, meaning "time stamping" in Hungarian, refers to the process of associating a specific time with a particular event or data. This can be applied in various contexts, from physical mail to digital transactions. In the context of mail, it often refers to the postmark applied by a postal service, indicating the date and location where a letter or package was processed. This mark serves as proof of mailing or delivery for certain purposes.

In the digital realm, idbélyegzése is crucial for establishing the chronological order of events and ensuring data integrity. Digital time stamping involves using a trusted third-party time-stamping authority (TSA) to verify the existence of data at a specific point in time. This is achieved by creating a cryptographic hash of the data and then having the TSA cryptographically sign this hash along with the current time. This process provides an auditable record that can be used to prove that data existed before a certain time, which is vital for legal documents, financial transactions, and software development. The underlying principle is to create an immutable record that cannot be retroactively altered.