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What is Key Signing?

key  signing
noun


Key signing is a cryptographic process in which the authenticity of a digital key, typically a public key used in public-key cryptography, is verified and confirmed by another party. It is a crucial step in establishing trust between users in secure communication and data exchange.

How does Key Signing work?

Key signing starts with a user generating a pair of keys, public and private, and a digital certificate that includes their public key and identifying information. Other users then sign the certificate with their own private keys. When a message with a digital signature is received, the signature can be checked against the signer's public key.

Key signing is commonly used in secure email communications, software distribution, and other scenarios where the integrity and origin of digital keys are crucial for security.