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Security Fundamentals & Crypto · Intermediate

Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA)

Digital signature algorithm using elliptic curve cryptography, standardized in FIPS 186-5.

Definition

ECDSA produces compact signatures and is widely used in TLS certificates, code signing, and cryptocurrencies. Each signature requires a unique, secret random nonce; nonce reuse or bias leaks the private key. Deterministic ECDSA (RFC 6979) mitigates this.

Example

Sony's PlayStation 3 signing key was recovered because ECDSA nonces were reused.

Exam tip

ECDSA nonce reuse reveals the private key; know this classic failure.

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