Consider the following statements:
A digital signature is
- an electronic record that identifies the certifying authority issuing it.
- used to serve as a proof of identity of an individual to access information or server on Internet.
- an electronic method of signing an electronic document and ensuring that the original content is unchanged
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect
- A digital signature does not identify the certifying authority. This function is performed by a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC), not the digital signature itself.
Statement 2 is incorrect
- Digital signatures may be used for authentication in certain situations, but they are not the primary method for identifying users when accessing information or servers on the internet. Typically, OTPs, passwords, and other credentials are more commonly used for this purpose.
Only statement 3 is correct
- A digital signature is an electronic, encrypted stamp of authentication on digital information such as messages. The digital signature confirms the integrity of the message. This signature ensures that the information originated from the signer and was not altered, which proves the identity of the organization that created the digital signature. Any change made to the signed data invalidates the whole signature.
- The use of digital signatures is important because they can ensure end-to-end message integrity, and can also provide authentication information about the originator of a message.
