What Is Digital Signature?
A signature is known to signify an agreement. If you sign something, it means you are giving your consent to it. When talking about the use of a signature in a bank while signing checkbooks, it again shows our consent. But these signatures can also turn into havoc when duplicated. This can be a little scary as such duplicate signatures have the capability of robbing you of your hard-earned money. But one way you can prevent this scam of duplicate signatures is by using Digital Signature.
Using the technique of digital signature, you can verify all the documents and check if it is genuine and authentic or not. The framework of a digital signature is such that it can easily determine if there is any meddling done to it. This way you get the apt details on the identity, origin, and status of your online document.
Working of the Digital Signature
The technology of digital signatures is based upon asymmetric cryptography, a.k.a., public-key cryptography. It develops 2 keys with the help of a public key algorithm like RSA, being public and private. These keys are linked mathematically. By using the signing software that makes it, the e-form, if a signature is to be made, is created by a one-way hash. This hash is then encrypted by using the private key.
Other alike encrypted hashes and other useful data such as the Hashing Algorithm are identified as the digital signature. In this, the empty hash is encrypted except for the whole message. This is because of the hash function any general input can be translated into a set length value. This preserved time as hashing is quicker than signing.
The value of the hash is special if we focus on its hash data. If modifications are made to it, even after manipulating a character, some other value will appear in the result. Using this option anyone can check the information’s integrity by utilizing the public key by the signatory to decrypt the encrypted hash.
If it matches with the other automated hash, you will get evidence that there are no modifications in the details. And if the computed hash and the decrypted hash do not match, then there can be a chance that modifications have been done to the details, and it’s not to be trusted.
Digital Signature Example
So, let’s understand the Digital Signature using a simple example. Whenever you put in your details (your id and password) to log in to any website, the data that you enter starts working as your digital signature. It helps in checking that it’s you who is trying to log in to that site, and once verified, you get access to the site.
Read More: Indian Company Registration
Steps To Acquire Digital Signature Online
You can acquire your digital signature digitally by just following these easy steps mentioned below:
1st Step: Enter all the details in the application form.
2nd Step: In the next step is you will have to fulfill the payment requirement. Once your application form is filled out, you’ll be taken directly to the payment gateway.
3rd Step: Click on submit and send your document. Then take a print of your application form and attest the xerox copies of your documents to it. If your e-signature falls in the individual section, then you’ll have to attach a photo, identification evidence, and residential proof with the form.
4th Step: Once your documents are checked and verified, you can download the certificate. You will get your DSC via email and also the details on ways to download it and the needed password as well.
Uses Of Digital Signature
Now, let’s understand why are digital signatures used in the first place.
Here are some of its uses:
Government
The judiciary implemented the use of digital signatures as they cost less and also provide strong security. The official bodies have various important offices that deal with tax returns, new bills, ID cards, handling contracts, etc. These are all known to be confidential papers and utilizing a digital signature cancels out the involvement chances of any 3rd party. So, the whole process becomes seamless, and the chances of a leak become bleak.
Legal Authority
The legal authorities manage a lot of important paperwork, and introducing digital signatures not only has secured such documents, but it also helped in minimizing the paper cost and labor.
Medical Department
With the help of digital signature, the whole technique of treatment and healthcare has significantly improved. The procedure gets done quickly, and it has also helped in building trust in the security of the data.
Army
It is no secret that a nation’s military is its most important asset. And by the help of digital signatures, a great amount of improvement has been observed because of digital signatures. There have been special improvements in the bifurcation of data and security.
Production Firms
The production firms utilize such signatures to streamline the process and enhance the design of the product, production number, and sales as well.
Finance
There have been several modifications like contracts, paperless banking, and quick loan in the process of banking. Each of these modifications was made possible by the digital signs.
Features of Digital Signature
Now that you have understood what is a digital signature, what are its uses, how to get one, and more, it’s time for you to learn more about its features. So, let’s get started:
Better Workflow
Using a digital signature has proven to enhance the workflow and efficiency in a workspace. Another feature is that tracking documents gets better, and also saves time.
User Experience
A firm is bound to get a good user experience on using e-signatures via its quick function and improved data security.
Authenticity
Just like hand signatures, digital signatures also hold a similar value. The procedure is known to confirm the correctness of the sign via several methods. So, it can easily compete with any signed paperwork in court.
Advantages of digital signatures
The advantages of digital signatures are as follows:
- Security: Digital signatures include security features to guarantee that an official record hasn’t been modified and that signatures are genuine.
- Trustworthy: You can adhere to legal requirements all across the world with the use of digital signatures protected by digital certificates provided by independent suppliers.
- Saves time: Digital signatures make it easier for companies to obtain and sign documentation rapidly by streamlining the laborious processes involved in traditional document signing, storage, and exchange.
- Cost reductions: By becoming electronic, businesses may conserve money on the materials, labor, employees, and office space traditionally required to store, handle, and transfer papers.
What is a Digital Signature Certificate?
A DSC, digital signature certificate, is filed by the official bodies, and by the authority in charge. The DSC comprises information concerning your identity, like your email, name, address, etc. It is known to form your identity as you build your firm or when you pass any transaction online. The papers that you submit digitally are verified via this signature.
Where is Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) required?
There are several instances where you can put the DSC into use. Some of them are mentioned below:
- To file the ITR online
- To fill the company incorporation digitally
- To fulfill e-Attestation by Company Secretary, Cost Accountant, and Chartered Accountants
- To digitally fill government tender
- To fill copyright requests and trademarks online
- To digitally sign the contracts and deals
Digital Signature Under The Indian Law
Now that you have some information about the digital signature, you may wonder if it is authenticated and verified by Indian law or not. Don’t worry, we’re here to solve all your doubts. As per the IT act of 2000, under Section 3, digital signatures are legal. The details about it are explained in Section 35. It has been stated that anyone who files for a digital signature certificate should ensure having formed the digital signature.
What distinguishes an electronic signature from a digital signature?
Digital signatures are distinct from electronic signatures, despite the fact that both of them are used to sign documentation electronically. A legal concept with a legislative definition is “e-signature,” sometimes known as an electronic signature. Various kinds of electronic signatures fall under the umbrella term “e-signatures,” or electronic signatures. Digital signatures, a particular technological application of electronic signatures, are included in this category. The term “digital signature” refers to the output of a mathematical method or cryptographic procedure that can be employed to verify an order of data.
Conclusion
In today’s society, digital signatures are becoming more and more widespread. This is because, compared to paper signatures, digital signatures provide a more practical and efficient way to electronically sign documents. They are a far more secure method of document signing and offer a variety of advantages, including time and money savings, among others.
For any further queries regarding digital signatures, contact our specialists at OnDemand International. We would be happy to assist you with your queries and further guide you in acquiring a digital signature certificate. Contact us today.
FAQ’s
A digital signature can be used to fill the ITRs, government tenders, contracts, trademark requests, company establishment, etc.
Some of the most important features of an e-sign are that it is authenticated, legally important, saves your data, and can also be used in healthcare and the military.
Yes, the digital signature comes under the IT act of 2000, under Section 3.
