Digital Signing
Digital signing is a cryptographic technique that uses public-key infrastructure (PKI) to authenticate the identity of a sender and ensure the integrity of digital data, such as documents, software, or messages. It involves generating a unique digital signature using a private key, which can be verified by anyone with the corresponding public key to confirm the data hasn't been altered and originated from the claimed source. This process provides non-repudiation, meaning the signer cannot deny having signed the data.
Developers should learn digital signing to implement secure authentication, data integrity, and compliance in applications, such as signing software releases to prevent tampering, securing API communications, or enabling legally binding electronic signatures in business workflows. It's essential for building trust in digital transactions, meeting regulatory requirements like eIDAS or GDPR, and protecting against man-in-the-middle attacks in distributed systems.