So what is digital signature certificate? – It is a mathematical technique used to validate the authenticity and integrity of a message, software or digital document
Digital signature certificate, DSC or digital signature is being adopted by various government agencies and is now a statutory requirement in various applications.
According to the Indian IT Act, 2000, organizations and individuals provide various types of certificates to help them secure online transactions with legal validity.
There are different types and classes of digital signature certificate DSC, the information given below will help you reach the right certificate for your needs.
Digital Signature Certificate Types
- Sign – Sign DSC can only be used to sign documents. The most popular use of is to sign PDF files for tax returns, MCA and other websites. Signing through DSC assures not only the integrity of the signer, but also the data. This is evidence of untouched data.
- Encrypt – Encrypt DSC can only be used to encrypt a document, it is popularly used in tender portals, to help companies encrypt and upload documents. You can also use the certificate to encrypt and send classified information. DSC encrypts fit for e-commerce documents, legal documentation and sharing documents that are highly confidential and contain information that needs to be protected.
- Sign and encrypt – Sign and Encrypt DSC can be used to both sign and encrypt. It is convenient for users who need to authenticate and maintain the confidentiality of the information shared. Its use includes filling in government forms and applications.
Digital Signature Certificate validity
You can purchase a certificate with a validity of up to three years. (Validity is governed by law, and you cannot purchase a validity certificate of more than three years and less than one year)
DSC Certificate classes
IT law allows three classes of DSC, namely class1, class 2 and class 3
The difference between class 2 and class 3 is the verification guidelines.
Class 2 digital signature certificate
The main function of this certificate is to authenticate the details of the signatory. This reconfirms the user’s previously mentioned data. It is used for filling various forms, online registration, email verification, income tax filing and etc. More Class 2 Digital signature certificate uses are given below.
- MCA E-Filing
- Income tax e-filing
- LLP Registration
- GST application
- IE Code Registration
- Form 16, etc.
Class 3 digital signature certificate
It is the most secure of all the certificates. It is used in cases of high safety and security. It is mainly used in online trading and e-commerce, where huge amounts of money or highly confidential information is involved. If you opt for a Class 3 certificate, all applications that are built for Class 2 should be able to recognize your certificates. Following are the main functions of the Class 3 certificate –
- E-tendering
- Patent and trademark e-filing
- MCA E-Filing
- Custom e-filing
- E-Purchase
- E-auction
- E-auction, etc.
