A Guide to Signing and Stamping Documents with digital stamps
What are digital signatures and digital documents?
A digital signature is an e-signature that comprises a mathematical algorithm, is encrypted in nature, and is unique to each person, just like a handwritten signature. They establish the authenticity of the document/message on which they are placed and the identity of the person or organization providing the document. This means - the message/document/information coming from the signer is unaltered and original in every sense.
A digital document can be any electronic file or information transferred or generated electronically. A digital document can be signed using a digital signature.
Read More: Order a Stamp Online: How to get a Stamp Online for Documents
What is a digital stamp?
A digital stamp, similar to a digital signature, certifies the authenticity and integrity of a digital document. It is much like a physical stamp on a paper, except it uses a mathematical algorithm and encryption instead of ink. An online digital stamp works on the same principle other than the fact that it's a seal or an image that is "stamped" digitally over the digital document to add an extra layer of encryption.
Why should digital stamps and signatures be used?
They increase transaction transparency and help develop trust between business partners, customers, and vendors. Determining the integrity of digital documents and signatures.
To determine the integrity of a digital document, one needs first to understand how these things work.
In the case of a digital signature, a unique hash value is created for each piece of data that is being signed. These signatures use the Public Key cryptography method, also known as asymmetric encryption. This method comprises a key pair system with a 'Public key' to encrypt the data and a 'Private key' to decrypt the data. The uniqueness lies in that only the recipient who possesses the corresponding private key to a message can access it.
Read More: Embossing stamp: What is IT and How To Emboss?
What are PKI and PGP?
PKI and PGP stand for Public Key Infrastructure and Pretty Good Privacy, respectively.
The Public Key Infrastructure comprises several standards, policies, certification authorities, and people that regulate and maintain the distribution of such keys and validate the identity of individuals and entities who have a digital certificate provided by a certificate authority (CA).
PGP is an encryption program used for sending encrypted emails and encryption of sensitive files/documents. PGP/OpenPGP is an alternative to PIK. The popularity of this encryption system is based primarily on two factors. First, when PGP came into existence, it was introduced as freeware. So, the popularity spread widely as people saw this as adding a layer of additional security to their emails and documents. The second was its feature of using public-key encryption and symmetric encryption simultaneously. This dual feature facilitates two users who have never met in person to exchange encrypted messages without exchanging private keys.
Read More: How to create Stamp Online for your Business
Legal status and legislation related to digital documents and signatures and stamps
Although the legal status and acceptance of digitally signed documents and digital signatures vary in different countries, they hold the same integrity and legal status as a handwritten signature in most industrialized countries.
In India, it has been legal since 2000, as mentioned in the Information Technology Act, granting digital signatures the same legal status as handwritten signatures.
How to get your digital signature and stamp done?
Several third-party certificate authorities (CA) can make a digital stamp for you with all the legal bindings needed for the same.
However, if you want to get started immediately, there are several methods available to create a digital stamp and signature. There are multiple software and digital stamp makers on the internet who are willing to do it for you in exchange for some amount of money or sometimes even for free, or you can create yourself by following a simple series of steps via a Microsoft partner using the 'SelfCert.exe' in your Microsoft enabled computer.
Read More: How to Use an Identity Theft Protection Stamp to Protect Yourself?
What are the common uses of digital signatures and stamps in 2023?
Digital signatures and stamps are used for several purposes, including:
- Authentication: The digital signature or stamp can be used to verify the identity of a person, organization, or device. This is especially useful in cases where multiple parties are involved in creating a document, and you want to confirm that all parties had access to it before signing off on it.
- Data integrity: The digital signature or stamp can be used to verify that the data has not been altered since it was signed. This can be done by storing the hash value with the document and then checking against this hash value when you receive it. If there's any discrepancy between them, someone has tampered with it at some point along its journey from sender to recipient.
- Non-repudiation: non-repudiation refers to the ability of users to prove they sent something without having their identity revealed (or being able to deny sending something). This is especially important for businesses who want their customers' identities protected while still being able to provide them with services or products that require verification of identity before providing those services or products.
Read More: How do you create a signature stamp for your business
Takeaway
In conclusion, digital stamps and signatures are playing an ever-growing role in the world of business. To know the best about stamps, visit My Stamp Ready. They can help reduce costs and paperwork, improve efficiency in many areas, and provide greater accuracy. But that's not all—they are useful for personal use. Whether you're looking for a new signature, a digital stamp, or another type of document, there are plenty of tools to suit your needs. You may want to spend some time experimenting with these tools and note which ones you like best!
With flourishing digitization, it is imperative to realize the benefits of digital documents, signatures, and stamps. Especially if you are in a business that involves handling and executing contracts and documents, look no further! Instead, adapt to these methods. Read the whole article to have a better understanding of the guide to signing and stamping the digital documents in 2022. It will help you have a compact idea.
Date of publication 2022-06-02