A digital signature is an electronic form of a signature that can be used to authenticate the identity of the sender of a message or the signer of a document, and also ensure that the original content of the message or document that has been sent is unchanged. Digital signatures are easily transportable and cannot be imitated by someone else. The ability to ensure that the original signed message arrived means that the sender cannot easily disclaim it later.

Yes, the signature and encryption certificate should be separate for an individual. The encryption keys are to be generated at the subscriber's system and should be archived prior to transfer into a crypto-medium. The signature keys should be generated in the crypto-medium and should not be copied.

No, ideally, there should not be any requirement for different certificates. However, a person holding a lower assurance Class 2 certificate may require a higher assurance Class 3 certificate for applications that demand the same. The higher assurance Class 3 certificate can be used wherever an application requires a lower assurance certificate. Apart from assurance, depending on the information included in the DSC (e.g., PAN Number may be required by an application), an additional certificate may be required.

You can use Digital Signature Certificates for the following: I. For sending and receiving digitally signed and encrypted emails. II. For carrying out secure web-based transactions, or to identify other participants of web-based transactions. III. In eTendering, eProcurement, MCA (for Registrar of Companies e-filing), Income Tax (for e-filing income tax returns) applications, and also in many other applications. IV. For signing documents like MS Word, MS Excel, and PDFs. V. Plays a pivotal role in creating a paperless office.

Class 2: The verification requirements are: (i) ID Proof & Address Proof (ii) Paper-based application form with other supporting documents (iii) Forward SMS + Video Verification. The private key generation and storage should be in a hardware cryptographic device validated to FIPS 140-1/2 Level 2. Class 3: The verification requirements are: (i) ID Proof & Address Proof (ii) Paper-based application form with other supporting documents (iii) Forward SMS + Video Verification. The private key generation and storage should be in a hardware cryptographic device validated to FIPS 140-1/2 Level 2.

The Document Signer Certificate is issued for use with the software of an organisation for automated authenticated response. It is not a replacement for the signature of the authorised signatory of the organisation.

A digital signature is an electronic method of signing an electronic document, whereas a Digital Signature Certificate is a computer-based record that: I. Identifies the Certifying Authority issuing it. II. Has the name and other details that can identify the subscriber. III. Contains the subscriber's public key. IV. Is digitally signed by the Certifying Authority issuing it. V. Is valid for either one year or two years.