Signature
A cryptographic proof that a message was authorized by the holder of a private key.
- Also known as
- Signature
A digital signature proves that the holder of a private key authorized a specific message and that the message was not changed after signing. Verifiers use the matching public key; they do not need the private key.
In Bitcoin-like systems, transaction signatures commit to selected transaction data according to sighash rules. Signature schemes such as ECDSA and Schnorr have different properties, but both depend on secure private-key storage and correct nonce handling.
Related terms
3 linkedExplore connected entries beyond the alphabetical index.
Private Key
→A cryptographic key used to sign blockchain transactions and derive public keys; ultimate proof of control over funds.
Public Key
→A cryptographic identifier derived from a private key; used to verify signatures and derive addresses.
Schnorr Signatures
→A digital signature scheme with linear properties that can improve verification, multi-signature design, and privacy.
All terms and definitions may update as the Cryptionary improves.
