ECDSA is widely used in blockchain networks, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, to authenticate transactions and ensure the integrity and security of digital assets. The algorithm is particularly valuable in decentralized systems, where it allows users to sign transactions with private keys, providing proof of ownership and authorization without the need for a central authority. ECDSA is preferred over traditional algorithms due to its efficiency, offering the same level of security as RSA but with smaller key sizes, which reduces computational resources and improves transaction speed.