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 use public-key cryptography. Digital signature can be defined as a concept of attesting the documents to be original and unaltered during their transmission. Digital signatures are used in email communications, internet purchases, contracts, government forms, and other secure and authenticated messages.

How Does a Digital Signature Work?

A digital signature relies on a public-key cryptography system, where two keys are used:

• Private key: this one is kept secret by oneself who sends the document and must sign it.

• Public Key: used for signature verification and dissemination while Private is concealed and used for creating the signature.

• Hashing: Converts the document into a fixed-length value, ensuring any changes to the document alter the hash.

• Encryption: Secures the data for transmission.

Key Concepts and Types of Digital Signatures

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

Creating a Digital Signature

• 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.

• How to Make Digital Signature: In order to create a digital signature the following are required;

1. Acquire the Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) from any licensed certifying authority.

2. An option to use a Digital Signature Generator software or any online tool to create the signature.

3. 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:

• How to Add Digital Signature to PDF:

1.  Launch the PDF file on Adobe Acrobat Reader or any other PDF editor that you choose.

2. Click on “Sign” and later select “Insert Signature.”

3. Select Digital Signature and use the digital signature of your Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).

• How to Validate Digital Signature in PDF:

1.  The signed PDF must be opened within the Adobe Acrobat Reader.

2. In the Acrobat, the signature field looks like a rectangle that may be grayed, just click over the box and the Adobe Acrobat will tell you whether the signature is good or not.

3. If the signature is valid it means that the document was not changed after it passed through a signature pad.

• How to Verify Digital Signature Online:

1. Another way you can check a digital signature is through the ‘Adobe Acrobat Online’ option which will verify the signature given the certificate.

• Digital Signature Verification:

1.  To verify a digital signature in a PDF it is done through Adobe Acrobat Reader of PDF Signer. It will therefore help to verify whether the document has been altered after signing and also authenticate the signer.

Common Uses of Digital Signatures

• E-filing: Such signatures are required when one fills online income tax returns, goods and services tax or any other related government paperwork.

• Business Agreements: Business organizations employ digital signatures in contracts, and other restrictive agreements like the non-disclosure contract (NDA).

• Secure Communication: Secure messaging is employed with the help of digital signature that proves that the mail or message has not been tampered with.

• Banking: Signatures in the realm of digital banking and digital payment are employed to authenticate transactions.

How to Get a Digital Signature

• Choose a Certifying Authority: A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) can be obtained from a certifying authority such as eMudhra, Sify or TCS.

• Submit Identity Proof: In order to obtain DSC you have to avail identity proof and address proof.

• Receive Digital Signature: On approval, you get the DSC for digital signing of 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:

1. Has not been altered.

2. It was sent by the person who possesses the private key.

3. They can be confirmed using its related public key.

Digital Signature in Cybersecurity and Network Security

A digital signature is an essential component of cybersecurity because it covers digital messages and transactions. It guarantees:

• Data Integrity: Makes sure that the data has not been tampered with in any way.
• Authentication: Who you are confirms the identity of the sender.
• Non-repudiation: The sender of the message cannot refute having sent the message.

Free Digital Signatures

Tools like DocuSign, SignEasy, and Adobe Sign offer free trials for creating basic electronic and digital signatures. While free options are convenient, they may lack the cryptographic features.

Difference Between Digital Signature and Electronic Signature

• Digital Signature: A digital signature operates, is authenticated and possesses a higher level of security than traditional electronic signatures by using cryptographic algorithms.

• Electronic Signature: An electronic signature is any electronic mark that also serves as evidence of the signer’s consent, but it does not have the same level of security as a digital signature.

Conclusion

An electronic signature is a very valuable commodity in providing guarantees and protection for operations that take place on the internet, agreements, messages, documents, among other things. Dedicated to proving the reliability of your digital business dealings, no matter if it’s the paperwork filled with governmental interventions, contracts and agreements, or the sensitive data shared with partners and coworkers, digital signatures stay your undeniable guarantee of the documents’ compliance with the standards of integrity, along with genuine identification of the sender. A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) together with trusted tools for applying and verifying the signed-asset can safeguard your digital transactions besides meeting the legal requirement.

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.