What is a digital signature certificate (DSC)?
A digital signature certificate (DSC) is a digital credential used to authenticate the identity of the signer in electronic transactions. It contains information about the user’s identity, public key, and the digital signature issued by a Certifying Authority (CA).
What information does a digital signature certificate contain?
A DSC typically includes information such as the user’s name, email address, public key, serial number, expiration date, and the issuing CA’s digital signature.
How does a digital signature certificate work?
A DSC is issued by a trusted Certifying Authority (CA) after verifying the identity of the certificate holder. It contains a public key that is used to verify the digital signature applied to electronic documents or transactions.
What are the different types/classes of digital signature certificates?
DSCs are classified into different types or classes based on the level of identity verification performed by the Certifying Authority. These classes vary from Class 1 (basic verification) to Class 3 (high level of identity verification).
Where can I use a digital signature certificate?
DSCs are used in various online transactions, including filing income tax returns, signing legal documents, participating in e-tendering processes, conducting online business transactions, and more.
How secure are digital signature certificates?
When properly implemented and used following security best practices, DSCs provide a high level of security. They use strong cryptographic techniques to ensure the integrity and authenticity of electronic documents or messages.
How long is a digital signature certificate valid?
The validity period of a DSC varies based on the type and class of the certificate. Typically, they have a validity period ranging from one to three years, after which they need to be renewed.
Can a digital signature certificate be revoked or suspended?
Yes, in certain circumstances, such as if the private key associated with the certificate is compromised or if the certificate holder’s information changes, the issuing Certifying Authority can revoke or suspend the DSC.
Do I need special software or tools to use a digital signature certificate?
Yes, to digitally sign documents using a DSC, you need compatible software or tools that support digital signatures. Many applications, such as Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Office, and specialized digital signature software, allow for DSC usage.
Is a digital signature certificate legally valid?
In many countries, digital signature certificates are legally valid and hold the same legal status as handwritten signatures. However, the legal recognition of digital signatures may vary based on regional laws and specific use cases.