Verification of digital signatures is essential for several reasons:

Authenticity: It confirms the identity of the signer, ensuring that the document was signed by the person it claims to be.

Integrity: It makes sure that the document has not been altered or tampered with since it was signed.

Non-repudiation: It provides proof of the signing act, preventing the signer from denying their signature on the document

The verification process involves several steps:

Signature Creation: When a signer signs a document, a cryptographic hash (a unique digital fingerprint) of the document is created using a hashing algorithm. This hash is then encrypted with the signer’s private key to create the digital signature.

Signature Transmission: The signed document, along with the digital signature, is sent to the recipient.

Signature Verification: Upon receiving the document, the recipient’s software uses the signer’s public key to decrypt the digital signature, retrieving the original hash value.

Hash Comparison: The recipient’s software generates a new hash value from the received document using the same hashing algorithm. It then compares this new hash value with the decrypted hash value from the digital signature.

Verification Result: If the hash values match, the digital signature is verified as authentic, and the document’s integrity is confirmed. If they do not match, the signature is invalid, indicating that the document has been altered or the signature is not genuine.

Security : Digital signatures offer strong security measures, guaranteeing the genuineness and completeness of documents.

Efficiency : They streamline the signing process, reducing the time and effort required for manual signatures.

Cost-Effective : By getting rid of paper-based signatures, businesses can save on expenses for printing, shipping, and storing hard copies of documents.

Legal Validity : Digital signatures are legally recognized and enforceable in many jurisdictions, providing the same legal standing as traditional handwritten signatures.

Environmental Impact : The use of digital signatures aids in the preservation of the environment by minimizing paper dependency.

Digital signature verification is a critical process that ensures the authenticity and integrity of electronic documents. By understanding how digital signatures are verified, individuals and organizations can confidently use this technology to streamline their workflows, enhance security, and comply with legal requirements. The robust security features and legal validity of digital signatures make them an indispensable tool in today's digital landscape.