SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/secplus-signature-verify-key

Which key does a recipient use to verify a digital signature?

The signer's public key, which matches the private key used to sign.

Start playing free

  1. The signer's public key ✔
  2. The signer's private key
  3. The recipient's private key

Why: The signer makes the signature with a private key nobody else has. Anyone can verify it with the matching public key, which is safe to share.

Huh, didn't know that: FIPS 186-5 says the public key corresponds to, but is not the same as, the private key.

The dad joke
What music genre has to do with computer commands? Algorithm and Blues.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: The signer's public key. The signer makes the signature with a private key nobody else has. Anyone can verify it with the matching public key, which is safe to share.

  1. FIPS 186-5, Digital Signature Standard nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/FIPS/NIST.FIPS.186-5.pdf
    signature verification uses a public key that corresponds to but is not the same as the private key
    Checked 2026-10-10.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Security & PrivacyWhich assurance does a digital signature add so a signer cannot later deny signing?Security & PrivacyWhat do you send to a certificate authority to request a certificate?Security & PrivacyWhat is a certificate revocation list (CRL)?

That's stuff everyone should know.