SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/tech-digital-signature-keys

Which keys create and verify a digital signature?

The private key signs, and the public key verifies.

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  1. Public signs, private verifies
  2. One password does both
  3. Private signs, public verifies ✔

Why: Only the private-key holder should be able to create the signature. Anyone with the public key can check its authenticity and the signed data's integrity.

Huh, didn't know that: A digital signature does not by itself keep the signed message confidential.

The dad joke
The private key signed quietly, then the public key checked its autograph.
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References

Answer: Private signs, public verifies. Only the private-key holder should be able to create the signature. Anyone with the public key can check its authenticity and the signed data's integrity.

  1. NIST CSRC Digital Signature Glossary csrc.nist.gov/glossary/term/digital_signature
    the private key is used to digitally sign data, and the public key is used to verify the signature
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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