What is the difference between a digitally signed and an encrypted message?
The first, real world difference is that a signed message can always be read, while an encrypted message can only be read using an appropriate private key. Encryption and digital signature are two different forms of securing data such as electronic mail: • An encrypted message can only be read by intended recipients. • A digitally signed message carries verifiable information on the author of the message. Additionally, a verified digital signature ensures that the content has not been changed by a third person. Note that a message can be digitally signed and encrypted at the same time. Sometimes a message can carry several digital signatures or be encrypted several times. p7mViewer will show you detailed information on the security structure of the message.
