How Digital Signatures Work?

The mathematical algorithm which is unique to digital signatures makes it the safest portal for signing documents online Let us now understand the process which makes digital signatures work

1 The Hash function : Every time an individual signs a digital document a hash value is produced. This value is a fixed-length series of letters which is subject to change with any change made in the content of the document.

2. Public Key Cryptography : Digital signatures uses a cryptographic algorithm to generate two asymmetric keys, the public key and the private key. These keys ensure the safe transfer of a document for both the sender and the end recipient. One key is used to encrypt the data and the other is used to decrypt it. A private key is always unique to the owner of a digital signature. While the public key can be shared with the public to open and view the message.

3. Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) : The PKI ensures that all the policies, standards of a public key cryptography are maintained during the process of sending and receiving a digital document.

4 Certifying Authority (CA) : In many cases, a third party, who acts as the certifying authority also comes into action They validate the identity of the signer and a recipient Digital Signature Certificates are issues for the validation process

5 Digital Signature Certificate : It is a digital document that verifies the identity of individuals involved in a digital transaction A digital signature certificate is signed and authorized by a Certifying Authority (CA)

Key Takeaways

➢ Digital signatures or the digital alternative of wet ink signatures are now the most commonly used way of signing digital documents.

➢ Digital signatures are the fastest, secure and most convenient way of signing online documents.

➢ Important features like security, time efficiency and cost effectiveness serve as additional benefits for people choosing to use digital signatures.

➢ Powered by the mathematical algorithm of public key cryptography, digital signatures also function well under the combined efforts of the Government’s hierarchical bodies including the Controller of Certifying Authorities, the Certifying Authorities and the Registering Authority