QUES . What is digital signature? What does its authentication mean? Give various salient built in features of a digital signature. UPSC 2013 GS MAINS PAPER III
HINTS:
A digital signature is a type of electronic signature which ensures that an electronic document is authentic. It gives the information about the creator of the document and ensures that the document has not been altered or tampered after its creation by that person. Digital signatures are used for validating the integrity and authenticity of any digital document, message or software etc.
When a digital signature is created, it creates a unique hash of the document, which is a mathematical representation of the document’s contents. The hash is then encrypted with the sender’s private key to create the digital signature. When the recipient receives the document, they can verify the signature using the sender’s public key. The signature is valid only if the hash of the received document matches the hash that was encrypted with the sender’s private key.
Authentication of digital signature
Authentication in the context of a digital signature means verifying the identity of the person who created and signed the document. A digital signature provides authentication by using a public-key encryption system, where the sender’s private key is used to encrypt the hash of the document. Since only the sender has access to the private key, the recipient can be sure that the signature comes from the sender.
Salient built-in features of a digital signature
Non-Repudiation: Once a digital signature has been applied, the sender cannot deny having signed the document.
Integrity: The signature assures the recipient that the document has not been tampered with during transmission.
Authenticity: The signature provides authentication of the sender’s identity.
Time stamping: Digital signatures can be time-stamped to provide evidence of when the document was signed.
Encryption: Digital signatures use public-key cryptography, which ensures that only the intended recipient can read the document.
Benefits of Digital Signatures
Saves Time: Digital signatures ensure that businesses save on cost and time with documents and contracts signed off with a click of a button.
Cost Savings: Many companies also see significant cost savings, with little or no expense in ink, paper, printing, scanning , shipping/delivery or travel expenses. There are also savings in other indirect costs such as filing, rekeying data, archiving, or tracking.
Workflow Efficiency: With lesser delays, digital signatures ensure better efficiency in workflow.
Better Customer Experience: Digital signatures provide the convenience of signing important documents wherever a customer or the person to sign is located.
Security: When it comes to signatures, authenticity and security is a priority. Digital signatures reduce the risk of duplication or alteration of the document itself. Digital signatures ensure that signatures are verified, authentic and legitimate.
Legal Validity: Digital signatures provide authenticity and ensure that the signature is verified. This can stand in any court of law like any other signed paper document. Time stamping and ability to track and easily archive documents improve and simplify audit and compliance.
Environmental Benefits: As corporations and businesses become more conscious of their role in sustainability, digital signature is a step ahead in their efforts in reducing waste and being environmentally friendly.
Governance: Digital signature has significant application in governance due to its security and authenticity features:
Income tax: filings, Notices and certificates. Municipalities: Birth and Death certificate.
Digital Certificate has helped government servants to focus on their core functions by freeing them up in routine operations like revenue collection, issuing of certificates etc. which therefore helps in enhancing overall productivity of administrative machinery.
