A Digital Signature Certificate is a cybernated form of certificate which is equal to a paper certificate. It is the symbol of a person’s identity which is given in an electronic form to sign any documents in a digital way. It is used to authenticate the identity of the sender of a digital document or message. It is issued by a trusted third-party certification authority (CA) after verifying the identity of the applicant through a series of authentication and verification procedures. Once a new DSC is issued, the holder can use it to sign electronic documents, authenticate their identity, and ensure the integrity of the message or document that is being transmitted.
The purpose of issuing a new DSC is to provide a secure and reliable way of electronically verifying the identity of a person or organization that is transmitting or receiving digital documents or messages.
Process to Apply and Obtain a New DSC
The process for obtaining a new Digital Signature Certificates (DSC) can vary depending on the type of certificate required and the specific certifying authority (CA) chosen. Needless to say, the general procedure for obtaining a new DSC is described below:
Step 1: Choose a Certifying Authority (CA)
The first step is to choose a Certifying Authority (CA) that is authorized by the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) under the Information Technology Act, 2000. There are several CAs that issue digital certificates in India, such as eMudhra, Sify, and Capricorn.
Step 2: Identify the Type of DSC Required
The second step is to identify the type of DSC required. There are three types of DSCs that can be issued: Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3. Each class offers a different level of security and is used for different purposes. For example, a Class 1 DSC is used for email and online form submissions, while a Class 3 DSC is used for e-commerce transactions and online tenders.
Step 3: Generate the Certificate Signing Request (CSR)
Once the type of DSC is identified, the next step is to generate a Certificate Signing Request[1] (CSR). This is done by providing the certifying authority with the required personal and organization details, such as name, email address, and proof of identity and address.
Step 4: Submit the Application and Documents
After generating the CSR, the application form and required documents need to be submitted to the chosen certifying authority. The documents required vary depending on the type of DSC being applied for, but typically include proof of identity, address, and organization details.
Step 5: Complete the Verification Process
Once the application and documents are submitted, the certifying authority will verify the details provided in the application form and supporting documents. This may involve a physical visit to the applicant’s location to verify the documents and biometric data.
Step 6: Collect the DSC
After the verification process is complete, the DSC can be collected from the certifying authority or delivered through email, depending on the CA’s policies.
Conclusion
In summary, the purpose of a new DSC is to provide a secure and reliable way of verifying the identity of a person or organization, and to ensure the integrity of digital documents and messages that are being transmitted. This can help to prevent fraud, protect sensitive information, and facilitate secure electronic communication and transactions. The process for obtaining a new Digital Signature Certificate can be completed in a few steps, including choosing a certifying authority, identifying the type of DSC required, generating the CSR, submitting the application and documents, completing the verification process, and collecting the DSC.
Also Read:
How One Can Apply For DSC (Digital Signature Certificate)?
