Digital Signature
DIGITAL SIGNATURE
A digital signature is a mathematical technique used to validate the authenticity and integrity of a digital document, message or software. It's the digital equivalent of a handwritten signature or stamped seal, but it offers far more inherent security. A digital signature is intended to solve the problem of tampering and impersonation 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. In many countries, including the U.S., digital signatures are Considered legally binding in the same way as traditional handwritten document signatures.
HOW DO DIGITAL SIGNATURES WORK
Using a mathematical algorithm, digital signing solution providers will generate two keys: a public key and a private key. When a signer digitally signs a document, a cryptographic hash is generated for the document.
That cryptographic hash is then encrypted using the sender's private key, which is stored in a secure HSM box. It is then appended to the document and sent to the recipients along with the sender's public key.
The recipient can decrypt the encrypted hash with the sender's public key certificate. A cryptographic hash is again generated on the recipient's end.
Both cryptographic hashes are compared to check its authenticity. If they match, the document hasn't been tampered with and is considered valid.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DIGITAL SIGNATURE AND AN ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE
A digital signature is a type of electronic signature that requires a more rigorous level of identity assurance through digital certificates.
The broad category of electronic signatures (e-signatures) encompasses many types of electronic signatures. The category includes digital signatures, which are a specific technology implementation of electronic signatures. Both digital signatures and other e-signature solutions allow you to sign documents and authenticate the signer. However, there are differences in purpose, technical implementation, geographical use, and legal and cultural acceptance of digital signatures versus other types of e-signatures.
In particular, the use of digital signature technology for e-signatures varies significantly between countries that follow open, technology-neutral e-signature laws, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, and those that follow tiered eSignature models that prefer locally defined standards that are based on digital signature technology, including many countries in the European Union, South America, and Asia. In the European Union, under eIDAS regulation, there are two levels of digital signatures: Advanced Electronic Signature (AES) and Qualified Electronic Signature (QES).
In addition, some industries also support specific standards that are based on digital signature technology.
BENEFITS OF DIGITAL SIGNATURE
1. Trusted and compliant.
Digital signatures backed by digital certificates issued by third-party providers help you comply with regulations around the world.
2. Protected.
Your digital signature and the signed PDF electronic document are cryptographically bound and secured with a tamper-evident seal.
3. Unique to you.
Use your unique digital identity to easily validate your credentials and authorize your signature when you digitally sign.
4. Easy to validate.
Digital signature validation requires renewal -the signed document and digital signature are designed to be revalidated for at least 10 years.
