A digital signature is a way to secure that an electronic document (email, spreadsheet, text file, etc.) is real. Real means, you identify who created the material. And you understand that it has not been modified in any form as that person designed it.
Encryption is the method of recording all the data that one network is transferring to different and encoding it. These files will usually into a form that just another system will be responsible for decoding. Authentication is the means of confirming that data is coming from a granted reference. These two methods act help in help for digital signatures.
How do I obtain a Digital Signature?
Digital Signature Certificate is a safe digital code that confirms the identification of the owner, distributed by a Certifying Authority. Many companies provide Digital Signature, i.e.
- SIFY Technologies
- eMudhra
- SignYourDoc
These companies give LRA to various organizations that are known as LRA. You can instantly apply online and obtain from your neighbourhood officials.
Digital Signature for E-tendering
There are three kinds of digital signature certifications depending on the validation of identification and nature of use. They are:
Class I Digital Signature Certificates
People take it for verifying the email credentials of the users and in situations where danger is least, and here the sign is put in the software.
Class II Digital Signature Certificates
Trade associations or people use this digital signature certificate to verify the data given by the contributor in the appeal against the information accessible in a presumed customer database. In this case, a cryptographic tool method is used for collecting the signature.
Class III Digital Signature Certificates
The certifying authority directly issues this digital certificate, and it is needed that the person is appealing for Digital Signature Certificate. Also, the person must exist at the certifying authority & show his/her identification in front of the administration. The safety risk associated in this situation is very high. In this case, also a cryptographic tool method is practiced for saving the signature.
The Need for Digital Signature Certificates
In the case of India, the Government of Hindustan has made it compulsory to attach digital signatures to the income tax returns reports. That means to e-fill the income tax revenues by any person; it is necessary to connect the digital signature on it. For attaching the digital signature, you need to have digital signature certifications published by a licensed certification authorization.
Besides, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs has introduced the compulsory to use a digital signature for the organizations leading them to file all records, letters, and reports.
For Goods for Service Taxes, also a firm needs to verify its GST form by attaching a digital signature using a digital signature certificate to get listed for GST.
In this era, several Council systems, applying various applications, measures, and forms need digital signatures made by using digital signature certificates.
There are so many benefits of Digital Signature Certificates such as saving your money & time, and securing your data, etc.
How to apply a digital signature?
As we already said, digital signatures can be used personally and commercially. Here are the documents that you need to apply a digital signature.
Keep in mind that, to apply personal signature, you don’t need business documents.
Documents needed for Digital Signature
- Application Form (Properly Signed)
- Identification Verification such as Voter Card, Aadhar Card, Passport, Driving License and Recent Passport Size Picture.
- Personal PAN Card
- Residence Verification
- Recent Utility Bills like Telephone, Electricity, Water, etc
- Ration Card
- Bank Account Statement
If you are looking to use a digital signature commercially, then along with your details, you need to show your business details and documents. The company documents, including Service Tax, VAT Certification, Property tax, Municipal tax Receipt, Proof of Right to do Business, Certificate of Incorporation, need to show to the concerned authority.
Furthermore, PAN Card of the Company, Latest annual Report / Balance sheet, Latest Income Tax Returns, Organization Bank Details on Banks Letter Head/ Latest Bank statement attested by Bank are also necessary to apply digital signature for business firms.