What is the function of a digital signature?

A digital signature serves to verify both the authenticity and integrity of a message or document. When a sender applies a digital signature to a message, they use their private key to generate a unique hash of the message, which is then encrypted. This process ensures that the recipient can validate the signature using the sender's public key, confirming that the message originated from the claimed sender and has not been altered during transmission.

This verification process is crucial in digital communication, as it builds trust between parties. By establishing that the message is authentic and unmodified, digital signatures help prevent fraud and unauthorized alterations.

In contrast, while encryption plays a vital role in securing data during transmission, its primary purpose is to protect the confidentiality of the information rather than to authenticate or ensure its integrity like a digital signature does. Managing user accounts and storing sensitive information pertain to different aspects of data security and are not directly related to the function of digital signatures. Thus, the role of a digital signature uniquely focuses on verifying authenticity and integrity.