Today, almost all enterprises and government agencies use specialized programs through which they submit reports, provide services and do a lot of useful work. The need for this arose in order to slightly unload paperwork.
But what about protection? The electronic signature (or electronic key) handles the protection and uniqueness function well.
What is an electronic signature
In fact, an electronic digital signature is a computer substitute for the real signature of the director of the company or the head of the authority. Its use is relevant for electronic document management, so that the document certified by it is equated in importance to paper. Therefore, it is very important to know how to install an electronic signature on a computer and how to use it.
Speaking in scientific language, EDS is a set of information about the owner of a signature transformed using a cryptographic program. It consists of two components:
- Certificate.
- Closed container with a key.
Therefore, the main thing you need to know: how to install an electronic signature on a computer.
An electronic digital signature (EDS) is an analogue of a handwritten signature that is used to give an electronic document the same legal force as if it were on paper with a signature sealed. In addition, EDS protects documents from forgery.
Prerequisites for Installing an Electronic Signature
If the company has a computer-savvy person, then you can entrust the installation of the necessary software to him. Well, if there is no such person, then it is advisable to immediately contact specialists, since improper configuration can create serious problems in the future.
So, installing an electronic signature on a computer will require the following components:
- Cryptographic program (as an example - VipNet, "Crypto PRO").
- Special root certificates required to work on some portals.
- Signature recognition components (so-called signals - sign-files);
It is possible to install additional software, but this is only in the case when it requires working with certain sites.
EDS installation with the help of specialists
Now there are many companies that provide services in setting up and activating electronic signatures. Typically, this procedure is carried out through remote access to the user's PC. You just need to install the program for remote access.
Of course, the implementation of such an installation costs money, and in some situations is quite large (especially when it comes to a full package of services, including the creation of an EDS), but the result justifies the investment - an electronic signature on a computer, and you can get to work.
Self-installation of electronic signature
If the installation of the EDS kit is carried out on its own, then the following steps must be performed sequentially:
- cryptograph installation;
- retraction and inspection of containers with keys;
- tuning plug-ins and components for working with digital signatures;
- installation of certificates, both root and personal.
At the first stage, a cryptograph program is installed (Crypto PRO is the most popular), which will tell you how to install the electronic signature key on the computer. Moreover, personal components are installed in a few clicks of the mouse.The only drawback of such programs is that they have a limited validity period, and to use the full functionality you need to purchase a subscription (or completely reinstall the cryptograph).
In addition, root certificates of certification authorities will be required for operation. They provide normal operation and access in the browser, and also confirm the accuracy of the source of work.
Installation of digital signature certificates
Personal certificates usually come with keys, therefore, to understand how to install an electronic signature on a computer, you should check the availability of such a certificate on removable media.
If one is present, then double-clicking on it with the left mouse button, you need to install it in the "Personal" section. Thus, the electronic signature can work as usual. But that is not all. It is necessary to add the resource for which the digital signature is required to the exceptions of the working browser. If this is not done, then the computer may not recognize it and block access.
Additional components for digital signature
And if understanding how to install an electronic signature certificate on a computer is easy, then installing the signature components and the corresponding plug-ins is not so simple. Each resource used (especially tax authorities, notarial programs, entrepreneurial programs, etc.) has unique sign-elements, and you need to download them personally.
Fortunately, every Internet portal that requires an electronic signature has detailed instructions for installation and links to the necessary files. The main thing is to know where to look.
Electronic signature - is it required?
Taking into account current trends, it can be concluded that EDS is vital for the normal operation of the enterprise, state and municipal bodies. The fact is that a very large number of services are carried out in electronic format, so there is no way to do without a signature. And to think about how to install an electronic signature on a computer, and whether it is necessary at all, is not worth it.
In any case, it will come in handy for reporting, executing trading operations, concluding contracts, registering and conducting transactions on trading floors.