signeringsnøkkel

A signeringsnøkkel, which translates to "signing key" in English, is a cryptographic key used to create digital signatures. This key is part of a public-key cryptography system. When a digital signature is created, a private key is used to encrypt a hash of the document or message. This encrypted hash is the digital signature.

The corresponding public key, which is freely distributable, can then be used by anyone to verify the authenticity of the signature. If the hash calculated from the document using the public key matches the decrypted hash from the signature, it confirms that the document has not been tampered with since it was signed and that it was indeed signed by the holder of the private key.

Signeringsnøkler are crucial for ensuring data integrity and authentication in various digital applications. They are commonly used in secure email (S/MIME), code signing to verify software authenticity, digital certificates (like those used for HTTPS websites), and in blockchain technologies to authorize transactions. The security of the entire system relies on the private signeringsnøkkel remaining confidential and never being shared. Compromise of the private key means that an attacker could forge signatures, undermining trust in the system.