Difference Between Digest and Digital Signature
|
Basis |
Digest |
Digital Signature |
|---|---|---|
|
Purpose |
Ensuring data integrity |
Validating authenticity and integrity of digital assets |
|
Function |
Creates a unique fingerprint of data |
Encrypts the hash value of a message for authentication |
|
Usage |
Data integrity checks, verification |
Authentication, verification, proof of origin |
|
Output |
Fixed-size string of characters (hash) |
Encrypted signature |
|
Security |
Detects data alterations |
Prevents tampering, impersonation |
|
Verification |
Detects changes in data |
Verifies sender identity and message integrity |
|
Algorithm |
Cryptographic hash functions |
Public-key cryptography |
|
Importance |
Ensures data consistency |
Provides evidence of origin, identity, and integrity |
The dissimilarities between digest and digital signature are:
- A digest acts like a special fingerprint made from data using a cryptographic method. It is used to check if the data has been changed. Whereas, a digital signature is a math trick used to confirm if a digital item, like a document or message, is real and has not been tampered with. It checks both where it came from and what it says.
- Digests are like fingerprints for data which helps in detecting even small changes. Digital signatures encrypt a message’s hash value with a private key, making a unique signature.
- Digests are often used to check if data is intact and if no changes or alterations have been made during transmission. Whereas, digital signatures confirm the identity of the sender and prove that electronic documents or messages are genuine and unchanged.
Difference Between Digest and Digital Signature
A Digest acts like a fingerprint for data that verifies if it is altered, and a Digital Signature is similar to a secret code, confirming the sender’s identity and data integrity. Knowing the contrast between a digest and a digital signature is important for protecting digital information. In this article, we will understand the difference between digest and digital signature on a different basis, we will see the main points of differences & dissimilarities between them.