How does Timestamping work?

Let's break down the general process of timestamping into three easy-to-understand steps.

1. Creating a Unique Digital Fingerprint: The first step in timestamping is creating a unique digital signature for the item being timestamped. This unique fingerprint, often referred to as a hash, is generated using a cryptographic algorithm. This hash is unique to the data in the item - even a small change to the data will result in a completely different hash. This means each item has a unique identifier that can't be replicated or forged

Find out more: What is a hash?

1. Recording the Time and Additional Information: The next step in the process is to record the precise time the item was created or modified, along with any other relevant data. This can include information about who created or modified the item, the location where it was created, or any other details that might be relevant. This data is then combined with the unique hash from the first step to create the timestamp.

2. Verifying the Timestamp: The final step is to verify the timestamp. This is typically done by comparing the hash of the timestamped item with the original hash. If the two hashes match, this confirms that the item has not been altered since it was timestamped. The timestamp serves as proof of when the item was created or last modified and can be used to resolve disputes, establish ownership, or confirm the authenticity of the item.

In essence, timestamping is a process that helps to create a secure and verifiable record of when and how digital data was created or modified. This process is crucial in today's digital world, where data integrity and authenticity are of paramount importance.