Digital Signature and Electronic Signature
Electronic signature and digital signature online are often used interchangeably, but the two terms are different. The key difference between the two is that a digital signature is primarily used to safeguard documents and is certified by certification authorities during an election. In contrast, a signature is often associated with a contract that the signer agrees to. This blog article will discuss the two terms in detail and learn about their significant differences and features.
A digital signature online is a unique property in digital form, something like a fingerprint implanted in a document. A signer must have a digital certificate to be associated with a document. A certification authority issues a digital signature online. It is comparable to a driving license or passport. A digital certificate helps verify the authenticity of a document and determine whether it has been tampered with. It plays a main role in identity verification.
Another necessary feature of digital signature online is that it protects digital documents. Fraudsters can forge documents and send them online by using an electronic signature, but with a digital signature, this is almost impossible. The electronic document is protected; only an authorised person can view it and make changes or modifications.
When a digital signature online is applied to a particular document, The digital certificate is intricately linked to the signed data through a single, unique fingerprint. These two digital signature components are more unique and magical than wet signatures, as their origin can be verified. This cryptographic operation helps to execute the following actions:
- Proof of the authenticity of the document and its source
- Ensuring that no changes have been made to the document after signing
- Confirming the signatory’s identity.
In this blog, we will learn more about Digital Signature and Electronic Signature.
Digital signature registration online
Follow these steps for digital signature registration online
STEP 1:Log in and select an entity type
Log in to the website of the certificate authority to issue digital certificates in India. After entering the page, you will be redirected to the Digital Certification Services section. Now under 'Digital Certification Services, ' click on the type of entity you want to get DSC for: 'individual or organisation' etc.
STEP 2:Fill in the necessary information
After downloading the form, fill in all the required details in the form.
STEP 3:Identity and address proof
The verifying officer must attest to the supporting documentation provided as proof of identity and address. Ensure that the Certifying Officer's mark and seal are prominently displayed on the supporting evidentiary documents.
STEP 4:Pay for DSC
To pay for your DSC application, you must receive a draft or check from the local registration office, where you will submit your application for verification. You can find details of the local registration authority based on your city of residence online for a certificate authority licensed to issue digital certificates.
STEP 5: Submit the required documents
Place the following in the envelope:
Duly filled DSC Registration Form – Supporting document for identity proof and proof of address verified by the verifying officer.
Request a draft/cheque for payment.
Address the enclosed envelope to the LRA(Local Registration Authority) and send it to the designated LRA address for further processing.
After completing the above steps by filling out the DSC form and providing the essential documents and payment, you have finished applying for a digital signature registration.
What is an electronic signature, and what are its features?
- An electronic signature is any electronic process, symbol, or sound associated with a record or contract that an interested party intends to sign. The main feature An electronic signature's top feature is signing a document or agreement. Another notable aspect that differentiates an electronic signature from a digital signature is that an e-signature can be oral, with a simple mouse click, or with any electronic authorisation.
- The main characteristic of an e-signature is that it reveals the signer's intention to sign the document. It usually adheres to contracts or other agreements that two parties enter into. As already mentioned, there are different types of electronic signatures. They are legally binding once all parties demonstrate their commitment and intent to enter a specific contract.
- Another aspect of an e-signature is that it helps verify the authenticity of a document. Once signed, it should be possible to identify the parties involved. However, an electronic record can be difficult to confirm because there is no digital certificate that makes the process secure.
- Another notable feature of an e-signature is that it is used to form a contract. For example, two people usually agree to fulfil certain obligations in an agreement. This contract becomes legally binding when both parties sign it. In this case, you can use an e-signature. In addition, electronic signatures are commonly used in contracts because they are easy to use.
Differences between a digital signature and an electronic signature
- A digital signature is used to make a document secure, while an electronic signature is used to authenticate a document.
- Types of Digital Signature and electronic signature
- Digital signature- Microsoft and Adobe pdf.
- electronic signature- essential, click, guaranteed and qualified
- A certification authority regulates a digital signature. Some national laws and regulations apply to electronic signatures for verification purposes.
- Governmental or non-governmental certification authorities also authorise digital signatures, and Electronic signatures are approved by specific vendors, document creators, or stakeholders.
- The main purpose of using a digital signature is document security. The primary purpose of using an electronic signature is document verification.
- A digital signature has multiple security features that make it more secure. An electronic signature has fewer security elements, making it less safe to use.
- An electronic signature is a general term and much broader regarding electronic data. A digital signature is a signature with public key cryptography.
- A digital signature can be used to acquire details about the signer as it is associated with the signature itself. Data about the signed person is not stored in the electronic signature but can be stored separately from the signature.
Lawgical India is one of the market's most significant legal service providers that can help you obtain your DSC. Lawgical India can help you throughout the digital signature registration and make everything easy on your hands. All you need to do is approach them; they will help you with your legal problems.
