The terms ‘electronic signature’ and ‘digital signature’ are often used interchangeably. However, the primary differences between ‘electronic signature’ and ‘digital signature’ are linked with signature laws and regulatory requirements. top best digital signature service in kanpur lucknow

How do digital signatures work?

The signature software leverages a public key algorithm to generate two keys that are mathematically linked: one private and one public. In order to create a digital signature, the software then creates a one-way hash of the electronic data to be signed.

When a user signs a document online, he/she leverages the private key to create a signature. On a general basis, the private key remains under the sole control of the owner. This private key is used to encrypt the hash.

The encrypted hash, along with other information, such as the hashing algorithm, together forms a digital signature.

How digital signatures help validate integrity

The value of the hash is unique to the hashed data. Any change in the data, even by a single character, will result in a different value. This attribute enables users to validate the integrity of the data by leveraging the signer's public key to decrypt the hash. top best digital signature service in kanpur lucknow

If the decrypted hash matches a second computed hash of the same data, it proves that the data hasn't changed since it was signed.

If the two hashes don't match, then it is a clear indication of the fact that either:

(i) the data has either been tampered with in some way (integrity) or

(ii) the signature was created with a private key that doesn't correspond to the public key presented by the signer (authentication).