| dc.description.abstract | The Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA), defines a technique for generating
and validating digital signatures. We start by reviewing the mathematics behind the Digital Signature Algorithm (DSA) and its elliptic curve analogue (ECDSA).
Secondly, we describe how the ECDSA is used in Bitcoin
technology.
Bitcoin is a type of crypto-currency that has been
in existence since 2009. It was introduced by Satoshi
Nakamoto (possibly a pseudonym) in their much cited
paper [8]. Its design and distribution is not controlled
by any central organization. Despite this, Bitcoin has
defied all odds to become a phenomenal currency widely
accepted by thousands of merchants worldwide. At the
time of writing this article, 1 unit of Bitcoin (1 BTC)
has a value of approximately USD 5,500. The internal
workings of Bitcoins is based on elliptic curve digital
signatures and is not well understood by many people
including a large percentage of Bitcoin users. The the
second part of this article we make give an overview to
illuminate how the internal nuts and bolts of Bitcoin
works. | en_US |
