More on Types of Digital Signature Certificates

 A digital signature certificate, a recent technological security apparatus makes online transactions and digital messaging safe and secure. It is used to authenticate sender using the electronic messaging systems. In virtual messaging, it is impossible to make out the identity of the sender at the other end of the receiver hence this cryptographical technology authenticates the sender. The system incorporates a pair of keys. The private key is for encryption while another key known as the public key is used to decrypt. This is a foolproof system and is impossible to manipulate on the way by hackers. Any manipulation can be made out by the receiver that the message he has received is not authentic.     

The digital signature certificate or DSC  is issued to an individual or organization by CA  (Certifying Authority). The CAs are authorized to certify digital signatures. At the present juncture, there are many  CAs authorized by CCA or Controller of Certifying Authorities. The CCA has established RCAI or root certifying authority of India under section 18 of the IT Act to authorize the CAs in India. The requirements fulfilled by the RCAI are:

• Digitally sign CA license.

• All public keys of a CA are digitally signed by the CCA.

• Digitally signed public keys can be verified on CCA or CAs Website.

There are many CAs appointed by CCA, and under them, there are authorized partners. Some of the CAs in India are:

• Dsc Bazaar

• IDRBT

• Sify Technologies

• Versys Technologies Pvt Ltd. 

• National Informatics Center

• Tata Consultancy Services

• e-Mudhra, n-Code 

• SAFE SCRYPT

Types of Digital Signature Certificate. 

• Class 2 DSC (Discontinued)

• Class 3  DSC (Individual)

• Class 3 DSC (Combo)

• DSC for DGFT (Director General of Foriegn Trade)(EXIM)

Organizational Document Signer  Certificates (Issued by USB & HSM)

The document signer certificate is DSCs issued to an organization under their legal name. These are also known as special purpose certificates.  These are issued by authorized CAs under the Information Technology Act. Version 3.5 June 2018. The purpose of the document signer certificate is to state the organization's authority while automated signing. The document signer integrates with a software application to enable automated bulk signing to verify information and documents pertaining to an organization.    

• The bulk signing of Invoices and other legal documents, GST, etc. 

• Online electronically digital signing.

• The signing of multiple proposals (Onboarding).

• Automated Signing 

• Online verification of PAN 

While the digital signature certificates are issued through online applications, in some cases the person has to appear personally. He or she has to carry the requisite documents and present them to the CA.   

The demand for digital signature certificates in India is growing as more and more e-transactions are taking place. DSC supports digital governance in the country and is recognized as a non-repudiable legal process. 

Apart from CAs, several partners are appointed who can issue the DSCs. Thus an additional channel for earning is formed by the CA's partner program.