Signing vs Verification keys

When it comes to signing and verifying, the distinction lies in how public and private keys are used in asymmetric cryptography (like RSA or ECC). Here's the breakdown:

Signing

Purpose: To prove the authenticity of the data and the identity of the signer.

 Key Used: Private Key.

Explanation: When you "sign" something (like a document or message), you use your private key to create a signature. This ensures that only you, the holder of the private key, could have signed it, guaranteeing the data's integrity and the signer's identity.

Verifying

Purpose: To confirm that the data hasn't been altered and was indeed signed by the entity claiming to have signed it.

Key Used: Public Key.

Explanation: When you "verify" a signature, you use the public key of the signer to check the signature's validity. The public key allows anyone to verify that the signature matches the signed data, but it doesn't let anyone create a sig nature themselves.

Where to Use Each Key:

 Private Key: Used when signing. It should be kept secure and never shared, as anyone with access to the private key could sign data as though they were you.

Public Key: Used when verifying a signature. This key is shared publicly, allowing others to confirm the authenticity of the signed data without compromising security.

In summary:

1. Sign with your private key.
2. Verify with the public key.

Mutual Signing and Verification Between Two Parties (A & B)

1. A → B (Signed Message)

A signs the message using A’s private key.

B verifies the message using A’s public key.

2. B → A (Signed Response)

B signs the response using B’s private key.

A verifies the response using B’s public key.