Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
A digital signature is a mathematical scheme for verifying the authenticity and integrity of a digital message or document. It’s akin to a handwritten signature but offers greater security. With the increasing reliance on digital transactions, digital signatures have become crucial for establishing trust and non-repudiation in the digital realm. The Information Technology Act, 2000, provides the legal framework for their recognition and validity in India.
What is a Digital Signature?
A digital signature utilizes asymmetric cryptography – a public key and a private key. The sender uses their private key to ‘sign’ the document, creating a unique signature.
Authentication Process
Authentication involves verifying the signature using the sender’s corresponding public key. If the signature matches the document and is validated by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA), it confirms:
- Authenticity: The sender is who they claim to be.
- Integrity: The document hasn’t been altered since signing.
- Non-repudiation: The sender cannot deny having signed the document.
Salient Built-in Features
- Uniqueness: Each signature is unique to the document and sender.
- Timestamping: Records the exact time of signing.
- Encryption: Uses cryptographic algorithms for security.
- Certificate Authority (CA) Validation: Ensures the legitimacy of the signing certificate.
- Legal Validity: Recognized under the IT Act, 2000.
Conclusion
Digital signatures are vital for secure digital communication and transactions. Their authentication process, rooted in cryptography and validated by CAs, ensures trust and legal enforceability. As digital adoption grows, the importance of robust digital signature infrastructure will only increase, necessitating continuous advancements in security protocols and regulatory frameworks.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.