Digital Signature
Introduction of Digital Signature
A digital signature is exactly what it sounds like a modern
alternative to signing documents with paper and pen.
It uses an advanced mathematical technique to check the
authenticity and integrity of digital messages and documents. It guarantees
that the contents of a message are not altered in transit and helps us overcome
the problem of impersonation and tampering in digital communications.
Digital signatures can provide evidence of origin, identity and
status of electronic documents, transactions or digital messages. Signers can
also use them to acknowledge informed consent.
What is a digital identity?
Similar to a passport in electronic form, a digital identity
(or digital ID) provides strong evidence that you are who you say you are when
e-signing a document. Each digital ID is backed by a digital certificate issued
by a trusted third party, such as a bank or government, after thoroughly
verifying your identity. Using a digital ID to authenticate your identity and
apply a digital signature during the document signing process provides a higher
level of assurance that you agreed to the terms listed and have authorized your
signature on a specific document.
The role of digital signatures
In many regions, including parts of North America, the
European Union, and APAC, digital signatures are considered legally binding and
hold the same value as traditional document signatures.
In addition to digital document signing, they are also used
for financial transactions, email service providers, and software distribution,
areas where the authenticity and integrity of digital communications are
crucial.
Industry-standard technology called public key infrastructure
ensures a digital signature's data authenticity and integrity.
Categories of digital signatures
Digital signature certificates (DSCs) can be classified into
three groups:
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