WORK
26 Points
Joined August 2008
Digital Signature means authentication of any electronic record by a subscriber by means of an electronic method. It uses asymmetric crypto system (ACS) for this purpose, which consists of -
· Private key for a message creation and
· Public key for verification of the Digital Signature.
The Digital Signature functions in two distinct steps.
First, the electronic record is created into a message digest by using a mathematical function known as “hash function”, which digitally freeze the electronic record thus ensuring the integrity of the contents of intended communication contained in the electronic record. Any tempering with the content – intentionally or otherwise on the electronic record will immediately invalidate the Digital Signature. In the second step, the identity of the person affixing the Digital Signature is authenticated through the use of private key, which is attached to the message digest and which can be verified by any person, who has public key corresponding such private key. This will enable any person to verify whether the electronic record is retained intact or has been tampered with. It will also enable a person who has a public key to identify the originator of the electronic message.