A DSC is a digital key used for authenticating the identity of the individual possessing it. The Controller of Certifying Authority (CCA) has authorised specified agencies to provide this certificate to the applicants. Holding a DSC and signing documents digitally ensures a high level of data integrity and is often preferred by most businesses in recent times.

In the present-day scenario, it has become the norm for every business to deal with voluminous digital data. That could be a whole lot of images, word files, or anything under the sun but in digital format. A DSC is a foolproof method to identify the authentic owner of these files. It is an online version of an individual’s usual signature that is done using paper and pen. Using this DSC, the original owner can sign the documents proving the authenticity of the work created. Read more to know about the Components of DSC in detail.

A DSC is like an identity card and it is licensed by third parties, most often them being government bodies. It is a secured digital key, that essentially bears witness to the identity of the owner possessing the dsc.

A DSC is presented electronically to access information or services on the Internet or to sign documents digitally.  It uses Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) which is the widely accepted format to provide high-level security to digital data. The widest application of DSCs is in the field of data transactions online.  It authenticates an individual’s credentials while conducting business online.

Characteristics of DSC

A DSC signature authenticates the personal details of an individual while conducting business transactions over the Internet. However, it is not limited to that and offers a number of other privileges as well, as enlisted below:

1. Cost and Time Effective:

Holding a DSC saves unnecessary loss of time. Instead of signing the documents physically, the sender can sign them digitally in a jiffy and send them within minutes to the receiver. The DSC holder does not have to be present physically to authorize or conduct business. It gives the holder the leniency to sign the documents instantly, from anywhere in the world.

2. Data Integrity

This is the most applauded worth of a DSC. The documents that are signed digitally cannot be edited or altered once it is signed. It makes the data secure and safe. Online DSC reduces the risk of duplication of documents. It ensures that the signature is verified and legitimate. A signer, possessing a DSC, is provided with passwords, pins, and codes that can verify the identity and approve the signature. Further, the presence of the time stamp with the DSC provides the date and time of the signature. This proves that the document had all the specified content it had, at the said time and also that it was signed at a particular time. Therefore, tampering with such a document becomes close to impossible. Despite the extent of security of a DSC, government agencies demand that these describe cross-checked and double-verified while carrying out online transactions.

Owning a DSC ensures that the work goes smoothly and unperturbed. The DSC also ensures a better and an efficient workflow. The work can be managed well and the documents involved can be traced effortlessly. For instance, a simple email notification that pops up could remind someone to sign the document on the spot which could have otherwise been missed out or forgotten.  Likewise, the feature of status tracking enables the person working on a particular document to a check on its position from time to time.

3. Customer Experience

Before the inception of DSC, people would have to run to their client’s places to get the documents signed. Moreover, a major portion of business deals is strictly time-bound. This would have created an enormous waste of time and energy. The DSC, now, saves time in carrying out the transactions. The documents can be tracked with less effort and hence the work can be planned more effectively.

Businesses that involve sales and marketing don’t have the need to visit their customers every now and then just to get a few papers signed. This is suitable, especially in remote areas and small towns that are quite challenging to be reached. Customers, on the other hand, have the freedom to be anywhere and be engaged with the business round the clock, while availing themselves of swift and user-friendly services. Click here to sign pdf online.

Components of DSC

Key Components of DSC are public and private keys and robust software that is employed to convert data into executable algorithms. The components of DSC are,

• A public key which is a Components of DSC is required as a part of the verification system
• The next Component of DSC is Contact details the Name and email address are required for ease of identification 
• The expiration date of the DSC is issued. It is used to set the shelf life which enables the signature to reset after the date of expiry
• The name of the company is present which is another Components of DSC that helps to identify issuing authority of the signature
• The serial number of the digital ID, which is a unique number that is bundled along with the signature, is present which helps in tracking is also a component of DSC.

Classes Of DSC

The type of DSC is ideally dependent on the applicant and the purpose the applicant intends to apply for a DSC. Applicants should apply for DSCs based on their respective preferences. The authorities designated to grant the DSC issue two different classes of DSCs.

Class 2 : The class 2 DSC is issued for both private individuals and business personnel. The DSC confirms that the information provided by the applicant in the application does not conflict with the information in recognized consumer databases. Moreover, this certificate is mandatory for individuals who have to sign manual documents while filing returns with the Registrar of Companies (RoC).  This class of certificates is issued in transactions that have a considerable threat of fraud. This type can also be used to access the MCA21 Program

Class 3: It is used in online participation or bidding e-commerce auctions and for online tender transactions anywhere within India. Indeed, this is a high insurance certificate, primarily intended for e-commerce applications. This class of certificates renders top-notch security for the data dealt with. It will be issued to the individuals only on presenting themselves physically before the certifying authorities. Additionally, the vendors who often collaborate in online tenders are expected to hold a class 3 DSC.

Requisites to Get the Certificate:

Any person who is seeking to obtain a DSC can apply to the certifying authority for the issuance of the certificate. The DSC application requires minimal documents. The certification authorities are appointed by the Office of the Controller of Certification Agencies (CCA). The CCA has given authority to various certification agencies to issue a DSC to the individuals seeking the same.

DSC Validity

It can be renewed, and the central government may prescribe a certain amount of fees for it. Moreover, the request for the renewal of the DSC should be made at least 7 days before the expiry of the validity period for the DSC.

Conclusion 

The DSC is a secure digital key that not only certifies the identity of a holder but also provides security to the business on the whole. Therefore, any subscriber can authenticate an electronic document by affixing the DSC thus ensuring unaltered credibility and maximum efficiency.

The DSC is a technical document and it is obtained from the stipulated authorities by making the application and submitting the required documents. We, here at Vakilsearch are authorized providers of DSC and have joined hands with some of the most prominent Certifying Authorities in India.