Digital signature
Oxford dictionary defines Digital Signature as a digital code (generated and authenticated by public key encryption) which is attached to an electronically transmitted document to verify its contents and the sender’s identity.
Use of digital signature
Technically speaking – A digital signature or digital signature scheme is a kind of secure asymmetric cryptography. … Digital signatures are regularly used to actualize electronic marks, a more extensive term that alludes to any electronic information that holds a significance of a mark, however not every electronic mark utilize computerized marks.
Difference between electronic signature and digital signature
In the event that a conventional wet ink signature on a bit of paper is scanned into an electronic gadget, the scanned copy(soft copy) can be considered as an electronic signature.
The main distinction is that an electronic signature is digitized yet it is additionally used to confirm validity of a document. Then again, it tends to be seen that a computerized mark is included extraordinary highlights, for example, unique finger impression that are utilized to verify a specific document.
What is the need of a digital signature?
Like a composed signature, the motivation behind a digital signature is to ensure that the individual sending the message truly is who the person in question professes to be. Digital signatures are particularly significant for electronic trade and are a key segment of most authentication schemes.
A digital signature is an electronic type of a signature that can be utilized to verify the character of the sender of a message or the underwriter of a report, and furthermore guarantee that the first substance of the message or archive that has been sent is unaltered.
Almost all cryptographic protocol suites have digital signatures as a standard element. Digital signatures find a common use for software distribution, financial transactions, contract management software, and related scenarios where document or software genunity/validity is critical. Law enforcers also rely on digital signatures to identify forgery in a document.
Advantages of using a digital signature
A successful agreement the executives framework ought to incorporate the capacity to help digital signatures. Three major favorable circumstances of utilizing digital signatures incorporate quicker agreement preparing, improved security, and lower costs.
What is in a digital certificate?
A Digital Certificate is an electronic ‘Key’ or ‘password’ that identifies and allows a person or business to exchange data securely with secure asymmetric cryptography encryption over the Internet using the public key infrastructure (PKI). Digital Certificate is also known as a public key certificate or identity certificate.
Types of digital signature and digital certificates
If you are willing to e-file a document or software report with digital signature, it is recommended to have a Class-2 Digital Signature Certificate. Digital Signature Certificates are classified into three major classes viz Class-1, Class-2 and Class-3.
In order to e-file Patent and Trademarks in India, the Controller General of Patents, Design and Trademarks (CGPDTM) has stipulated a Class 3 category digital signature certificate. Class 3 DSC provides the highest level of security and comes with 1 year, 2 year and 3 year validity.
How to apply for a digital signature:
Steps to apply for a digital signature certificate
Keep your verifiable identify proof such as photo id, GST number and address proof along with any declarations ready before applying online for a digital signature certificate
Step 1: Go to the certifying authority. Log on to the website of a Certifying Authority licensed to issue Digital Certificates in India (in India, its under Ministry of Corporate Affairs).
Step 2: Fill the relevant details., choose if you are an individual or a firm
Step 3: Attested documents for proof of identity and address. …
Step 4: Payment for DSC / Authority – it varies
Step 5: Upload the documents required.
What is the process of obtaining Digital Signature Certificate DSC from Certifying Authority?
• Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) Applicants can directly approach Certifying Authorities (CAs) with original supporting documents, and self-attested copies will be sufficient in this case
• DSCs can also be obtained, wherever offered by CA, using Aadhar eKYC based authentication, and supporting documents are not required in this case
• A letter/certificate issued by a Bank containing the DSC applicant’s information as retained in the Bank database can be accepted. Such letter/certificate should be certified by the Bank Manager .
To view the step-by-step instructions on using the MCA services, refer the Help on using the MCA Portal http://www.mca.gov.in/Ministry/pdf/MCAV2Release2_Help.pdf
To view the step-by-step videos of frequently used MCA services, refer the Video Based Tutorial-CBT
http://www.mca.gov.in/MCA21/CBT/index.html
Who issues the Digital Signature Certificate?
A licensed Certifying Authority (CA) has the right to issue the digital signature. In India, CA for the purpose of issuing digital signatures in India has authorized eMudhra to authorize for issuance of Digital Signature Certificate. Certifying Authority (CA) means a person who has been granted a license to issue a digital signature certificate under Section 24 of the Indian IT-Act 2000.The list of licensed CAs along with their contact information is available on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal. Certifying Authorities http://www.mca.gov.in/MinistryV2/certifyingauthorities.html
What is the validity period of a Digital Signature Certificate?
The Certifying Authorities are authorized to issue a Digital Signature Certificate with a validity of one or two years.
How to use/apply your digital signature in MS Word Software
To add a digital signature, open your Microsoft Word document and click where you’d like to add your signature line. From the Word ribbon, select the Insert tab and then click Signature Line in the Text group. A Signature Setup pop-up box appears. Enter your information in the text fields and click OK.
How do I validate a digital signature?
If its a Portable Document Format (.pdf):
Please follow these steps to verify the digital certificates and digital signatures received from trusted sources:
Open the PDF file in PDF Converter Software (Such as Adobe Acrobat) .
Left-click on the Digital Signature field.
Click “Verify Signature”.
Click “Properties”.
Click “Verify Identity”.
If its a Microsoft Word document:
Open the file that contains the certificate you want to view.
Click File > Info > View Signatures.
In the list, on a signature name, click the down-arrow, and then click Signature Details.
In the Signature Details dialog box, click View.
How can I validate my signature in Mobile?
First you may please log on to http://eaadhaar.uidai.gov.in . You will find a link “ Validate Option”. Right click on the ‘validity unknown’ icon & click on ‘Validate Signature’ option. On the signature validation status window, click on ‘Signature Properties’.