A digital signature or digital signature scheme is a type of cryptography that authenticates documents in electronic form in the same way as a handwritten signature authenticates hard copy documents. Digital signature certificates (DSC) are the digital equivalent (that is electronic format) of physical or paper certificates. Examples of physical certificates are drivers' licenses, passports or membership cards.
The Digital Signature Certificate utilized in India effectively serve as the digital equivalent of a hand written signature which has extra data attached electronically to any message or document. Digital Signature also ensures that no alterations are made to the data once the document has been digitally signed. A DSC is normally valid for 1 or 2 years, after which it can be renewed.
Digital signatures are easily transportable, cannot be imitated by someone else, and can be automatically time-stamped. Furthermore, the ability to ensure that the original signed message arrived means that the sender cannot easily repudiate it later.
All DSCs contain the digital signature of the certificate-issuing authority so that anyone can verify that the certificate is real.
The Information Technology Act (2000) Offering for use of DSCs on documents submitted in electronic form in order to ensure the security and authenticity of the documents filed electronically. This is the only secure and authentic way that a document can be submitted electronically. As such, all filings done by companies under the MCA21 e-Governance program are required to be filed with the use of DSCs by the person authorized to sign the documents.
TYPES OF DIGITAL SIGNATURE CERTIFICATE
There are 3 types of Digital Signature Certificate, having different security levels, namely :- DSC- Class-1, DSC- Class-2 , DSC- Class-3.
Digital Signatures
This is basic type of digital signatures. Class 1 are legally valid as per the Indian Information Technology Act, 2000. However, since they do not provide strong authentication of user identity, they are not applicable for commercial use. You can use these type of signatures for- Digitally sign your e-mail, in which you assure your recipient that the mail has come from you.
- Encrypt your e-mail, where you block unauthorized people from receiving or reading your e-mails.
- Electronically authenticate your identity to web servers, where you establish a communication link with the web server to secure your confidential information such as credit card details, password details, etc.
To get this type of
digital signature you should have a valid email address. You can directly
purchase this type of digital signatures from websites.
Class 2 Digital Signatures
These are most common in terms of use, these type of signatures can be used for IT Tax Return, Loan application, IRCTC , NIC, MCA21, Online banking, E- commerce etc. Class 2 Gold Individual Certificates enable you to digitally sign your e-mail for unequivocal identification, encrypt your mail to block unauthorized access, and electronically authenticate your identity to web servers, e-commerce sites and other transactional portals where proof of identity is mandatory. The extent of identification provided by this class of certificates is limited to the information available on the validating server. Class 2 Digital Signature certificate authenticate your identity , provide content/software integrity and assured encryption standards to maximize security.These certificates are applicable to personal and commercial use in environments requiring obligatory identity proof.You can not get this type of Digital signatures completely online. You have to apply online through E-mudhra with some supporting documents like
Attested copy of any one of the following as identity proof (attestation may be by any Public Notary/Gazetted Officer/Bank Manager)
- Passport
- Driving License
- Voter's ID
- PAN card
- Company ID Number
Class 3 Digital Signature
Class 3 Digital Signature have maximum security level. These are issued to individuals, organizations and devices and are applicable for personal and commercial use. Typically, they are used for Electronic Data Exchange (EDI), internet banking/broking, e-tendering and other web-based transactions where confidentiality and authenticity are critical.These are digital certificates that are appropriate for digital signatures, encryption, electronic access control, e-commerce and online financial transactions that require a strong assertion of the customer's identity.
Documents required for class 3 are same as class 2. Cost for Class 3 signatures for an individual is higher than that of the class 2 which adds additional security.
Uses of Digital Signature Certificates in India
In India, Digital Signature Certificate was first used by Registrar of Companies (RoC) when the Ministry of Company Affairs transitioned into e-filing of statutory returns. The benefits accrued through the same was adopted by other government agencies in India and today its being widely used. Some of the popular uses of DSC are as below:
- e-filing of Income Tax Returns :An assessee can file his/her Income Tax Return online and those who sign their returns digitally do not have to send the physical copies of the same to the Income Tax Department for verification.
- e-filing of Company Returns (RoC) :To ensure statutory compliance for companies in India, the Registrar of Companies (RoC) has now made e-filing mandatory and a Digital Signature Certificate is required to do the same.
- e-tender / e-Procurement :Many of the state governments as well as other government agencies in India have transitioned to e-procurement and you need a Digital Signature Certificate to bid for tenders online.
The Information Technology Act (2000) governs
Digital Signature in India, and provides for various penalties which are levied
on those who contravene its provisions. The offender may be punished either
with penalties or may also be imprisoned in cases whereby the offense is of a
serious nature.
Any person who makes misrepresentation, or suppresses any material fact when obtaining a DSC, shall be punished with imprisonment for terms which may extend to two years, and/or through fines which may extend to INR100,000.
Similarly, any person who knowingly creates, publishes or otherwise makes available a DSC for any fraudulent or unlawful purpose shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, and/or with fine which may extend to INR100,000.
Practical Aspects of Obtaining a Digital Signature Certificates in India Digital Signature may be obtained from a certification agent that is duly registered with the Controller of Certifying Authorities. In India, there are quite a few certification agents who are authorized to provide digital signatures, such as: MTNL, TCS, N-Code, e-mudhra.
DSCs may take as long as seven or eight working days to process, and the following documents are required when applying for a Digital Signature:
Any person who makes misrepresentation, or suppresses any material fact when obtaining a DSC, shall be punished with imprisonment for terms which may extend to two years, and/or through fines which may extend to INR100,000.
Similarly, any person who knowingly creates, publishes or otherwise makes available a DSC for any fraudulent or unlawful purpose shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, and/or with fine which may extend to INR100,000.
Practical Aspects of Obtaining a Digital Signature Certificates in India Digital Signature may be obtained from a certification agent that is duly registered with the Controller of Certifying Authorities. In India, there are quite a few certification agents who are authorized to provide digital signatures, such as: MTNL, TCS, N-Code, e-mudhra.
DSCs may take as long as seven or eight working days to process, and the following documents are required when applying for a Digital Signature:
- Application form duly filled in by the applicant
- Notarized copy of passport (in case of non-resident applicant)
- Notarized copy of address Proof (in case of non-resident applicant)
- Self-attested copy of PAN card (in case of resident applicant)
- Self-attested copy of address proof (in case of resident applicant)
How Do I Get a Digital Signature
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