Document Signer Certificate, also known as a document signer, is a digital certificate that is used to verify the identity of the person signing a document. It is a digital version of a physical signature and is used to ensure the authenticity and integrity of information/ data. These certificates are issued by Certifying Authorities (CAs) which are impaneled with the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA). Document signer certificates are issued to only organizations to complete their Online signing requirements. Organizations can integrate document signer certificates with their invoice software, tools, and other software to sign digitally.
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Document Signer Certificate for Organizations
A document signer certificate comes in a PFX format that allows developers to integrate digital signature functionality into their applications. This type of API allows users to sign electronic data using a digital certificate, which verifies the identity of the signer and ensures the information has not been tampered with. This can be used in various applications such as digital signatures in legal documents, invoices, e-signature in HR processes, and more. It comes in Class 2 and Class 3 types.
A document signer certificate contains the following information:
- The name of the certificate holder organization
- The public key of the certificate holder
- The digital signature of the certificate authority (CA) that issued the certificate
- The validity period of the certificate
- The digital signature algorithm used to generate the signature
A document signer is used to sign docs such as contracts, invoices, and agreements. They are used to establish the authenticity of the signer and the integrity of the data. They are used to create a legally binding electronic signature that is recognized by the law.
When a document is signed using a signer certificate, a cryptographic hash of the information is created and encrypted using the private key of the certificate holder. The encrypted hash is then added to the file as a digital signature, which can be verified by anyone using the public key of the certificate holder.
Benefits of using a Document Signer
- Convenience: Document signing software allows users to sign and authenticate data from anywhere, at any time, without the need for printing, signing, and scanning.
- Speed: Digital Signatures can be completed much faster than traditional paper-based signatures, as documents can be signed and returned in a matter of minutes.
- Cost Savings: Digital Signatures can help organizations save money on printing, mailing, and other paper-related costs.
- Security: Docs signing software uses advanced encryption and authentication methods to ensure the integrity and security of signed data.
- Time-stamping: Document signing software can time-stamp, providing an indisputable record of when the data was signed, adding an extra layer of security.
- Compliance: Document signing software can help organizations comply with regulations and industry standards.
- Audit trail: Digital Signatures can provide an audit trail of all the signers and the signing process, which can be useful for compliance and legal purposes.
- Automation: Document signing software can automate workflows, such as sending out documents for signature, tracking the signing process, and storing the signed invoice or PDF.
Document Signer Integration
Integrating a document signer certificate into an application involves several steps. These may include:
- Registering for a PFX file with the provider: This typically involves creating an account on the provider’s website and obtaining a pfx that is required to access the key.
- Familiarizing oneself with the API documentation: This step involves reading the documentation provided by the provider to understand the different functions, methods, and parameters that the supports.
- Implementing the API calls in the application: This step involves writing code to call the API functions and methods as required by the application. The API calls should be used to sign and authenticate documents, manage digital certificates, and perform other relevant tasks.
- Testing and Debugging: This step involves testing the application to ensure that it works as expected and debugging any issues that arise.
- Deploying the application: This step involves deploying the application to a production environment, making it available to end-users.