Which of the following best defines a digital signature?

A digital signature is a cryptographic technique used to validate the authenticity and integrity of a digital message or document. When a digital signature is applied, it effectively confirms that the message was created and sent by a specific individual or entity, ensuring that it has not been altered during transmission. This is crucial for maintaining trust in electronic communications, as it helps to prevent forgery and assures the recipient that the message indeed comes from the claimed sender.

In terms of its function, a digital signature employs a pair of cryptographic keys—a private key, which is used to sign the document, and a public key, which is used to verify the signature. By using this method, even if someone intercepts the message, they would not be able to modify it without invalidating the signature since any change would not correspond with the original digital signature created.

In contrast, other options do not accurately capture the essence of a digital signature. While validation methods for software programs are important in cybersecurity, they do not relate directly to the concept of a digital signature. Similarly, although digital signatures offer some level of protection against malware by ensuring that the sender is who they say they are, this does not encompass the primary function of what a digital signature is. Data compression, on the