A "digital signature" is an electronic method for authenticating digital documents or messages. It allows the sender to ensure the integrity and authenticity of a document and convince the recipient that the document indeed comes from a specific sender and has not been altered.
Typical features of software in the area of "digital signature" include:
Creating digital signatures: The software allows users to create digital signatures using cryptographic keys to sign the document and ensure authenticity.
Signing documents: Users can apply digital signatures to documents to confirm their approval or acceptance of the document's content.
Verifying signatures: The software enables recipients to verify digital signatures to ensure they are valid and come from a trusted sender.
Encrypting signatures: Some programs offer the option to encrypt digital signatures to enhance security and ensure that only authorized parties can verify the signature.
Integration with certificates: The software can be integrated with digital certificates to enhance the authenticity of digital signatures and ensure the reliability of signed documents.
Managing keys: Users can manage cryptographic keys used for creating and verifying digital signatures, including key generation, storage, and backup.
Support for various formats: The software may support various digital signature formats, such as PKCS #7, XML Signature, or Adobe Acrobat Signature Format (PDF Signature).