What term describes an electronic signature used to verify the identity of a sender?

A digital signature is a cryptographic method used to verify the authenticity and integrity of a message or document. It serves as a unique identifier for the sender, allowing recipients to confirm that the message was indeed sent by the stated sender and has not been altered during transmission. The process involves using a mathematical algorithm to generate a signature that is linked to the sender's private key, and only the associated public key can validate it. This form of identification ensures non-repudiation, meaning the sender cannot deny having sent the message.

In contrast, a digital certificate is an electronic document that ties a public key to an individual or organization, used to verify identities but is not itself an electronic signature. A digital token is typically a physical device used for authentication or generating one-time passwords. An authentication code, on the other hand, is usually a temporary code used to verify access or identity but does not provide the same level of verification as a digital signature. Thus, the correct term for an electronic signature that verifies the identity of a sender is indeed a digital signature.