What is the significance of using digital signatures in forensics?

The use of digital signatures in forensics is significant primarily because they serve to verify both the source and integrity of digital documents. When a digital signature is applied to a document, it ensures that the signature can only be created by the legitimate signer and that the document has not been altered in any way since it was signed. This is crucial in forensic investigations, where the authenticity of evidence must be established to maintain its integrity in legal proceedings.

Digital signatures leverage cryptographic techniques to provide a unique fingerprint of the document, thus confirming that the document has originated from a reliable source and remains unchanged. This capability is critical when dealing with digital evidence, as any alterations or tampering can undermine the credibility of the evidence in court.

In contrast, the other options such as reducing file sizes, encrypting data, or compressing files for storage do not relate directly to the primary function of digital signatures in the context of forensic investigations. While encryption can secure data and file compression can optimize storage, these processes do not inherently verify the authenticity or integrity of a document like digital signatures do.