What does a digital signature typically provide when applied to a document?

A digital signature is a cryptographic mechanism that provides significant assurances regarding the authenticity and integrity of a document. When a digital signature is applied to a document, it enables the recipient to verify that the document has not been altered in any way since it was signed. This process is accomplished through hashing, where the content of the document is transformed into a unique hash value. The digital signature, created using the sender's private key, accompanies this hash and can be verified using the sender's public key.

Additionally, the digital signature serves as proof of origin, confirming that the document was indeed signed by the claimed sender. This feature is vital in establishing trust in electronic communications and transactions, ensuring that parties can rely on the authenticity of the documents exchanged.

Consequently, while digital signatures do not provide confidentiality (which is instead achieved through encryption), processing speed, or removal from circulation, they play a crucial role in maintaining the trust and security of digital communications by certifying both the integrity and the source of the document.