The Digital Signature Algorithm (DSA) is a United States federal standard for digital signatures proposed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology in 1991. DSA uses asymmetric cryptography, with separate private and public keys, to digitally sign and verify messages. The signing process involves generating a random number and performing calculations using the private key to produce a signature. Verification involves performing calculations using the public key to verify the signature is valid for the message. DSA signatures provide authentication and integrity for electronic documents and communications.