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Clarification on digital signatures

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Clarification on digital signatures

What is the difference between a digital signature and an e-signature? How does a digital signature relate to Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)? What algorithm does a digital signature use: Is it cryptography or another algorithm?

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No difference. E-signature is the catchy marketing name the government put on digital signatures.

PKI provides the means of managing digital certificates. Digital certificates contain public keys for individuals or entities.

A digital signature uses a digital signature algorithm such as RSA or SHA1. Yes, it is a cryptographic algorithm.

For more information on this topic, visit these other searchSecurity resources:
Best Web Links: Digital Signatures
Executive Security Briefing: It's a matter of trust: Digital certificates and e-signatures
Ask the Expert: What is a digital signature?

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This was first published in April 2001

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