> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://hub.bsvblockchain.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://hub.bsvblockchain.org/higher-learning/bsv-academy/bitcoin-primitives-digital-signatures/what-are-digital-signatures.md). # 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. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://hub.bsvblockchain.org/higher-learning/bsv-academy/bitcoin-primitives-digital-signatures/what-are-digital-signatures.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.