# What are Digital Signatures

This course introduces the concept of **digital signatures** and their role in securing communication and transactions.

You will explore:

* The background of digital signatures and how they build on asymmetric cryptography
* How private and public keys work together for signing and verification
* Why digital signatures are critical in online commerce, governance, and communication
* The key properties that make them trustworthy: authenticity, integrity, and non-repudiation

By the end of the course, learners will:

* Understand what digital signatures are and how they function
* Recognize their importance in real-world applications
* Be familiar with the essential protections digital signatures provide

This course is designed for beginners. No prior cryptography knowledge is required — just curiosity about how trust is built in the digital age.