Digital Signatures

Digital Signatures

Digital signatures are the "electronic fingerprints" of transactions in a digital world. Affixed to an electronic document, a digital signature conveys the same meaning of approval and personal identity as a handwritten signature. Digital signatures also address several other problem areas such as document integrity and protection from unauthorized access. But while digital signatures make it easier for important transactions to be conducted electronically, there are standards issues, security problems, and confusing and counterproductive legal concerns that seem to be keeping the technology from breaking into the mainstream.

Digital Signature Webopedia Definition:

A digital code that can be attached to an electronically transmitted message that uniquely identifies the sender. Like a written signature, the purpose of a digital signature is to guarantee that the individual sending the message really is who he or she claims to be. Digital signatures are especially important for electronic commerce and are a key component of most authentication schemes. To be effective, digital signatures must be unforgeable. There are a number of different encryption techniques to guarantee this level of security.

Digital Signature Standard
The Complete Handbook (written by the ABA)

Digital Signatures have three characteristics and are usually for the electronic commerce relam:

Mathematical Algorithms

Encryption/Cryptography

Certifications

	This is a company that can help your business implement digital and e-commerce signatures.
Digital Signature Tutorial	An overview of what it is, how it works, and what professional areas are involved.
Digital Signature Glossary of Terms	The state of Washington put together a good term list regarding digital signatures.
FAQ's	Frequency Asked Questions about Digital Signatures.
More Companies Certco Information Security Corporation Network Associates/Pretty Good Privacy PenOp Verisign Metasign