Basic Definitions

Hash

Unique, fixed-size string of characters from data. Think of it as generating a fingerprint that is unique to the data and irreversible.

Signature

Digital signatures verify the authenticity and integrity of digital information. They prove who sent or approved the information and ensure it hasn’t been altered since signing.

Digital Certificate

An electronic document that uses cryptography to verify the identity of a user (website, device, organization…). Certificates are issued by Certificate Authorities.

Certificate Signing Request (CSR)

Specially formatted file sent to a Certificate Authority (CA) to request the issuance of a digital certificate. It contains information about entity (eg. user), his public key and signature.

Certification Authority (CA)

A trusted entity that issues digital certificates to verify the identity. In CloudSigner context, CA is one of the software component that issues and manages certificates.