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[lizatailor23]

What's the difference between a Digital Signature and a Public Key, aren't they both the same thing?

As far as I'm aware, when I Sign an e-mail, it attach's a copy of my Public Key to the e-mail. This is why I believe that the Digital Signature and the Public Key are just Two names that mean the same thing... Please tell me if I am wrong.

Thanks.

 

[Cecille L]

A [ur=http://searchsecurity.techtarget.com/definition/digital-signaturel]digital signature[/url] is an electronic signature that identifies the sender of the message or the signer of the document while a public key is used to encrypt a message.

Hope that helps. Have a good day!

 

[thel.online.ph]

Hi Liza,

Digital signature is not the same as a public key.

A digital signature is an electronic signature which demostrates the authenticity of a digital message or document. A valid digital signature ensures that the message sent is unchanged. They are commonly used for software distribution, financial transactions, etc.

While a Public key is needed to verify the digital signature, this is the reason, why it's attached to every signed mail.