Digital Signature Certification: How to Apply Online?

Digital Signatures as a result of technological advancement is slowly entering the commercial World. The signatures have become popular among institutions as they are foolproof, authenticate the sender, and are legal. They are the cryptological equivalent of electronic signatures and were created using recent technology.

In simple terms, DS are encrypted and need a key to read them the way we want. They are used for sending messages using Internet-based messaging systems but the information is encrypted. The information could be a document, email message, or macros. The information is encrypted, and not in human-readable form. This is done using a cryptological process and digital signing. The whole process is carried out using hash algorithms. A pair of keys are generated with the sender in possession of a secret private key and the public key. The public key is sent to the receiver so that the information could be decrypted. A certificate is sent along with the information that authenticates the sender's identity and related details. The certificates are issued by a certifying authority called CA in India. They can also be issued by a CA partner who has been authorized by the CA. They are legal, non-repudiable tenders, and certify the authority of the sender.

Digital Signature Certificates

In India, digital signature certificates are used in varied institutions.

• ONGC
• Banks
• MMTC
• MSTC
• High Courts
• Garden Reach
• Air India
• NRL
• Magnolia
• SAIL
• Shyam Steel
• Orbit Group
• NTPC
• CPWD
• Defense Sector
• Army
• Maha Nagar Palika
• Navy
• Ordinance Factory
• BEHL

The most common certificate in demand is Class III and its use is varied. Class III Certification is very useful for e-tendering, e-Procurement, State E-Procurement, all e-governance compliance, and e-procurement purposes.

How to Apply for DSC Online?

The certificates have to be procured from the vendor for a price online through the vendor site. Thus, you have to first locate a vendor online. Though the physical process is not a must, it is best to locate the vendor or CA nearest to you.

The procurement process is not at all tardy with few details like permanent address, and photo ID required. The application is sent by email and this is followed by a video interview. A fee has to be paid for a DSC that is valid for one year. Almost all CAs charge the same fee but it may vary depending on the type of certificate applied for. The DSC is issued to an individual for signing or signing and encryption both.

Some of the CAs in India are:

DSC Bazaar

• SIFY
• eMudra
• Pantasign
• Vsign

DSC is also issued to companies or institutions for which bulk signing through a document signer is usually required. The following variations are seen at the vendor site:

Individual Signing (Under Rs.1000)

• IT Filing
• PF
• GST
• ROC Filing

Organizing Signing (Under Rs.2000)

• Customs
• IREPS
• E-Tender

Organizing Combo (Under Rs.3000)

• E-Tendering

DGFT (Under Rs.4000)

• IEC Portal

When you apply for DSC online you do not send original photo Ids. They are presented during the video interview. Along with the application you have to make the required electronic payment. All application details are available on the vendor site which you must read carefully and then apply.

A group of writers at Above the Fold Digital Marketing and Web Development Company in Mumbai India