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Digital Signature
Digital Signature
November 27, 2024 by Team Instabizfilings
Introduction
In today’s digital age, authenticity and security online communications are paramount. Digital signatures provide a robust solution, ensuring integrity, authenticity and non-repudiation of digital documents. This blog unravels everything you need to know about digital signatures, their uses and how they differ from electronic signatures.
What is a Digital Signature?
Digital signatures employ public-key cryptography. A digital signature is the idea of verifying that the documents are the originals and that they have not been changed during their transmission. Digital signatures find their usage in email communications, internet purchases, contracts, government forms, and other secure and authenticated messages.
How Does a Digital Signature Work?
A digital signature depends on a public-key cryptography system, which involves the use of two keys:
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Private key: the one that is secretly kept by the person sending the document and has to sign it.
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Public Key: for checking the signature and sharing the public key is used while Private is hidden and used for making the signature.
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Hashing: It changes the file into a fixed-length value and if someone changes the file, the hash will change too.
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Encryption: Secures the data for transmission.
Key Concepts and Types of Digital Signatures
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Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): Digital Signature Certificate’, is an electronic document issued by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA) such as eMudhra, Sify, TCS that authenticates the identity of certificate holder. It is used to create digital signatures, ensuring secure and tamper-proof electronic transactions and communications.
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Class 3 Digital Signature: This is a type of digital signature that should be used where security is paramount and they are awarded after vetting by certifying authorities. The Class 3 signatures are often applied in the cases of e-filing, e-commerce and governmental tasks.
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Digital Signature Algorithm (DSA): An algorithm employed to create as well as authenticate digital signatures. Digital Signature Algorithm just imitates the generation of digital signatures in the safety segment of cryptography.
Digital Signature vs Electronic Signature
|
Feature |
Digital Signature |
Electronic Signature |
|
Purpose |
Verifies data integrity & origin |
Authorizes intent |
|
Technology |
Based on cryptography |
Basic electronic marks |
|
Security |
High |
Moderate |
Creating a Digital Signature
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Create Digital Signature Online: There are many web services which help create the professional digital signature for free or for the price. For instance there is CCA eMudhra and Sify.
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How to Make Digital Signature: In order to create a digital signature the following are required;
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Acquire the Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) from any licensed certifying authority.
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An option to use a Digital Signature Generator software or any online tool to create the signature.
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Install the digital signature on your device.
Digital Signature in PDF
Many of the PDFs that are used and created have a need for digital signatures. Here’s how you can insert a field, verify, and validate a digital signature in a PDF:
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How to Add Digital Signature to PDF:
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Launch the PDF file on Adobe Acrobat Reader or any other PDF editor that you choose.
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Click on “Sign” and later select “Insert Signature.”
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Select Digital Signature and use the digital signature of your Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).
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How to Validate Digital Signature in PDF:
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This last step is crucial since the signed PDF file has to be accessed via the Adobe Acrobat Reader only.
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Once you open the document in the Acrobat, the signature area shows a kind of rectangle that can be in a gray color, so simply clicking on the box and the Adobe Acrobat will give you a confirmation of the signature or not.
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In case the sign is authentic, it indicates that the file has not been altered after it was signed.
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How to Verify Digital Signature Online:
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Another method to confirm the digital signature is by using 'Adobe Acrobat Online' that will authenticate the signature if the certificate is provided.
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Digital Signature Verification:
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One can check the digital signature of a PDF file via Adobe Acrobat Reader or PDF Signer. The process will confirm that the file has not been changed post-signing and will also verify the identity of the signer.
Common Uses of Digital Signatures
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E-filing: Such signatures are required when one fills online income tax returns, goods and services tax or any other related government paperwork.
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Business Agreements: Business organizations employ digital signatures in contracts, and other restrictive agreements like the non-disclosure contract (NDA).
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Secure Communication: Secure messaging is employed with the help of digital signature that proves that the mail or message has not been tampered with.
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Banking: Signatures in the realm of digital banking and digital payment are employed to authenticate transactions.
How to Get a Digital Signature
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Choose a Certifying Authority: A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) may be purchased from a certifying authority like eMudhra, Sify or TCS.
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Submit Identity Proof: To get a DSC you must provide identity proof and address proof.
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Receive Digital Signature: When granted, you are given the DSC for digitally signing the documents and other compliances.
Free Digital Signature
Free digital signatures for several platforms are attainable, particularly where the technology is to be utilized in basic functions. But for more legal or high security applications like e-filing, one needs a Class 3 Digital Signature which initially comes with some cost.
Digital Signature Verification in Cryptography
In cryptography, the digital signature ensures the integrity of the data and the authenticity of the sender. It makes sure that passed message or the document is received as it was intended or as expected:
- They have not been changed.
- Their origin was the one holding the private key.
- Verification can be done with the corresponding public key.
Digital Signature in Cybersecurity and Network Security
A digital signature is one of the main elements of cyber security as it is the embracement of digital messages and transactions. It is a major factor in ensuring:
- Data Integrity: Ensuring that the data is exactly as it was and has not been manipulated in any way.
- Authentication: The one confirming the identity of the sender is actually the sender.
- Non-repudiation: The sender denies not sending the message.
Free Digital Signatures
Tools such as DocuSign, SignEasy, and Adobe Sign allow free trials for the creation of simple electronic and digital signatures. Although free options are handy, they might not have all the cryptographic features.
Difference Between Digital Signature and Electronic Signature
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Digital Signature: A digital signature uses, is verified, and has more advanced security features than regular electronic signatures through the use of cryptographic algorithms.
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Electronic Signature: An electronic signature is the marking of any document in an electronic form which, as a result, can be considered as proof of the signer's agreement, however, it lacks the same level of security that a digital signature has.
Conclusion
An electronic signature is a key instrument in giving assurances and security to the operations that are carried out through the internet, agreements, messages, documents, and so on. If you are worried about the reliability of your digital business dealings, be it the paperwork with governmental interventions, contracts and agreements, or the sensitive data shared with partners and coworkers, digital signatures are still your unequivocal safety of the documents’ compliance with the standards of integrity, together with the real identification of the sender.If combined with the proper means of affixing and verifying the signed-asset, a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) along with trusted tools can not only meet the legal requirement but also be your security in the digital transactions.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog is purely for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy, reliability and completeness of the content presented, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, for the same.
We expressly disclaim any and all liability for any loss, damage or injury arising from or in connection with the use of or reliance on this information. This includes, but is not limited to, any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential or punitive damage.
Further, we reserve the right to make changes to the content at any time without prior notice. For specific advice tailored to your situation, we request you to get in touch with us.
