The ECDSA (Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm) is a Digital Signature Algorithm (DSA) which uses keys derived from elliptic curve cryptography (ECC). It is a particularly efficient equation based on public key cryptography (PKC). ECDSA, is one of the more complex public key cryptography encryption algorithms.
A benefit to using ECDSA over other public key cryptography is how new ECDSA is. ECDSA was standardized in 2005, compared to most common public key cryptography algorithm used, RSA, which was standardized in 1995. Since ECDSA has been around for such a shorter period of time, hackers have had less time to learn how to crack ECDSA. This, along with ECDSA’s complexity make switching to ECDSA look like a more desirable option each year. These benefits are why newer protocols choose to use ECDSA over RSA for public key cryptography functions.
