Which algorithm is specifically used to generate a digital signature?

The Digital Signature Algorithm (DSA) is specifically designed for creating digital signatures. This algorithm utilizes public-key cryptography to authenticate the identity of the signer and to ensure the integrity of the signed message. When a message is signed with DSA, it generates a unique signature that can only be produced with the signer’s private key. Recipients can then use the corresponding public key to verify that the signature was created by the legitimate signer, and that the message has not been altered in transit.

While some other algorithms mentioned play roles in cryptography, they do not serve the specific function of generating digital signatures as DSA does. For instance, Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is primarily an encryption algorithm, Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA) is a hashing function used to produce a fixed-size hash value from input data, and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) is a technique for implementing public-key cryptography but is not an algorithm solely for creating digital signatures. Therefore, DSA stands out as the correct choice for specifically generating digital signatures.