Digital signature: definition, how it works aamma difference electronic signature-mik
Lots "digital signature" aamma "electronic signature" confuse. Two terms different things-iluguq. Here clear explanation, jargon-nairunga, difference understand aamma right solution choose-tat.
In short
Digital signature precise cryptographic mechanism (private key + certificate + document fingerprint) signer identity aamma document integrity prove-tat. Electronic signature broader term, juridical, dematerialized signing permit all devices mean — digital signature advanced form-iluguq. In practice, Certyneo-like site "electronic signature" talk, technical sense digital signature-iluguq almost always.
What's digital signature?
Digital signature cryptographic data electronic document attached. Document fingerprint (hash) aamma signer belong private key-mit created. Anyone corresponding public key-liq verify two things able: document modified-nairunga signature-suq, aamma signer private key holder-mik signature apposed-iluguq. Digital signature used majority eIDAS regulation conform electronic signing solutions-mit.
Digital signature vs electronic signature
Two terms interchangeably often used, but they exactly same thing-iluguq don't.
| Criteria | Digital signature | Electronic signature |
|---|---|---|
| Ilusik | Technical mechanism (cryptography) | Legal concept (eIDAS) |
| Scope | Restricted: one precise method | Large: any dematerialized signing device |
| Guarantees | Identity + integrity mathematically proven | Variable level according (SES, AES, QES) |
| Example | PDF PAdES signature X.509 certificate-mik | "Accept" box, mouse signature, digital signature certificate-mik |
| Legal value | Strong (handwritten signature AES/QES level equivalent) | Variable level chosen according |
How digital signature work?
Process 4 steps — simplified.
- 1
Document fingerprint calculation
Document hash function (SHA-256) passed. Result document unique fingerprint few bytes-mit that radically changes if even one character modified.
- 2
Fingerprint encryption private key-mik
Fingerprint signer private key-mik encrypted, secure support-mik stored (HSM, smart card, aamma eIDAS conform server remote signing-tat).
- 3
Signature aamma certificate apposition
Encrypted fingerprint document attached, signer digital certificate accompany (that contains public key aamma identity certification authority verify-mik).
- 4
Verification recipient-mik
Recipient certificate public key-liq signed fingerprint decrypt, then document recalculate fingerprint-mit compare. Two match if, document authentic aamma modified-nairunga.
When digital signature use?
- Work contract remote signature
- Conform electronic invoice validation
- Dematerialized notarial deed signature
- Bank documents authentication
- Commercial contract remote signature
- Quote aamma purchase order validation
- Lease aamma real estate contract signature
- Medical documents aamma patient consents
You want digitally your documents sign?
Certyneo eIDAS conform electronic signature propose (digital signature using under hood) — free 5 envelopes per month until, card-nairunga.
Frequent questions
Digital signature aamma electronic signature, it same thing?
No, but they closely connected. Electronic signature eIDAS regulation define legal concept — all dematerialized signing device mean. Digital signature cryptographic technology that makes possible majority conform electronic signatures (especially AES aamma QES levels).
Digital signature legal value-loq?
Yes, when use advanced (AES) aamma qualified (QES) electronic signature frame-mit eIDAS sense, legal value handwritten signature value-mit equivalent. Simple level (SES) — often checkbox — same force-nairunga.
How digital signature authenticity verify?
Majority PDF readers (Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit) signature status display when signed document open. ANSSI (Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d'information) validation service use-juk European qualified signatures tat-jok.
Special software need digital signature make-tat?
No, signer-nut not. Certyneo-like platform technical part-iluguq: certificate generation, fingerprint calculation, cryptographic signing, timestamping. Signer just browser "Sign" button click-tat.