DIGITAL SIGNATURE
Our daily lives are linked with
the usage of signatures. There are different types of digital signature with
important purposes, such as establishing identification, securing the validity
of a letter or document, or making revisions to a letter or document as proof
that the modification has been approved. The growth of technology is followed
by the creation and modification of signatures. Digital signatures are not only
incredibly useful and simple to use, but also offer a high level of security.
What is Digital Signature?
A digital signature is created by
using mathematical algorithms for verifying the authenticity and integrity of a
message, software, or a digital document.
What are the types of Digital Signature?
The simplest digital signature is
a simple one since it has no encryption protection. Simple digital signatures
and basic digital signatures are pretty similar. The finest digital signature
is Advanced & Qualified, which is equally valid in court as a wet paper
signature. There are primarily three sorts of signatures, known as simple,
basic and advanced digital signatures you should be aware of –
1. Simple Digital Signature
A Simple digital signature is a
digital signature in it’s purest form because it isn’t encrypted. Numerous
drawbacks exist with this straightforward digital signature. This signature
cannot reveal the identity of the authenticator or modifications made to the
document after the recipient has left their mark since it is not encrypted. Simple
digital signature categories can also be extremely easily copied or faked. The
usage of such digital signatures is not advised from a legal and security point
of view.
2. Basic Digital Signature
Comparing Basic Digital
Signatures to Simple Digital Signatures, there aren’t many differences. Basic
Digital Signatures only differ from Simple Digital Signatures in that they may
demonstrate modifications made to a document after it has been signed. This
signature cannot refer to a confirmed identification; thus it cannot ensure the
protection of your identity. Basic digital signature service providers do not
properly authenticate the user’s identity even employing the cryptography
method. Additionally, the signing procedure does not use two-factor authentication.
Documents of this type that have been signed digitally as a result generally
lack authority and legal force.
3. Advanced and Qualified Digital Signature
The most secure digital signature
is Advanced & Qualified, which has the same legal value as a wet signature
on document. Advanced and qualified digital signatures maybe created with the
use of public key infrastructure and asymmetric cryptography technology.
Advanced and qualified digital signatures can indicate when, where, and what
devices to use throughout the document signing procedure. It is also simple to
track any modifications made to the document after it has been signed.
The procedure used to confirm the
user’s identification by this digital signature service provider makes it even
unique. It also provides the two-step verification. The manner of authentication employed varies
as well, from mobile phone biometric scanning to SMS transmission of one-time
passwords. Documents signed using digital signatures are included in this
category since they already have an electronic certificate that is specifically
linked to the signatory’s identity.
Digital signature certificates (DSCs) can be classified into three
groups:
Class 1: They are only specific certification on an email ID and
username, so they cannot be used for official business documents. Class 1
signatures offer a fundamental level of security and are applied in situations
where there is little risk of data compromise.
Class 2: This is frequently used for the electronic filing
(e-filing) of tax papers, such as returns for both the Goods and Services Tax
(GST) and income taxes. Class 2 digital signatures check the identity of the
signer against a database that has already been confirmed. Class 2 signature are used in contexts with
minimal risks and effects of data compromise.
Class 3: The highest level of digital signatures, Class 3 requires
the signer to present themselves before a certification authority to verify their
identity. Class 3 digital signatures are used in e-auctions, e-tendering,
e-ticketing, court filings, and other contexts where there are significant
risks to data or consequences from a security breach.
Importance of a Digital Signature
A digital signature is required
to ensure that the data or message being sent is legitimate. It is more
trustworthy than receiving plaintext. Data integrity, message authentication,
and message non-repudiation are all provided by digital signature. When the
user verifies the digital signature using a public key that has been supplied
by the originator, it helps to offer message authentication and ensures that
the message is authentic and does not contain malware.
How to create a Digital Signature?
A one-way hash of the data to be
signed and signing software can be used to establish a digital signature. The
value of hash encryption, also known as the hashing algorithm, when combined
with additional information is the generation of a digital signature.
As the hash function turns the
random input to a defined number that is often shorter and helps in saving time
and effort, it helps encrypt only the one hash value rather than the entire
text.
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