Definition[]
A digital signature algorithm is "an [a]symmetric algorithm[] used for digitally signing data."[1]
Overview[]
It allows an entity to authenticate the integrity of signed data and the identity of the signatory. A digital signature algorithm may be implemented in software, firmware, hardware or any combination thereof.
A digital signature algorithm is intended for use in electronic mail, electronic funds transfer, electronic data interchange, software distribution, data storage, and other applications that require data integrity assurance and data origin authentication.