All documents must have a signature. It confirms the validity of the paper. Since 2014, reports submitted by companies via telecommunication channels are signed by a qualified enhanced electronic signature. This serves as the best protection for electronic documents. The rules for its receipt and benefits are described later in the article.
Story
The first electronic signatures began to be applied in the country in 1994. The law on the regulation of their use was adopted in 2002. It contained many obscure points, in addition, the terminology was ambiguously interpreted. And almost nothing was said about the receipt of the named signature.
Since 2011, electronic document management has entered the government. All officials received this signature. Since 2012, this technology has begun to actively develop, and today everyone can make an electronic signature.
Kinds
An electronic signature is an analogue of an autograph of a specific subject on paper. This tool is used in the business sector, while working with documents and in other areas. There are two types of electronic signatures:
- simple;
- reinforced.
The second option is more secure. He is unskilled and qualified. Each species has its own characteristics and purpose. So, an enhanced unqualified electronic signature serves as a guarantee of its fulfillment by a specific subject. In addition, the paper is unchanged from the moment of signing.
An enhanced unqualified electronic signature is used during paperwork, where printing is not considered mandatory. When it is formed, cryptographic devices are used. Using this signature, you can use a certificate from a certification authority that has not been accredited.
A qualified type of electronic signature is created thanks to cryptographic devices certified by special authorities (the FSB is responsible for this). A guarantor is a certificate provided by a certification center that has passed accreditation. If the electronic document includes an enhanced electronic signature of a qualified type, then it has the same legal force as paper with a handwritten signature.
Simple signature
It is presented in the form of access codes from SMS, codes on scratch cards, “login-password” pairs in e-mail and on websites. A simple signature is created using the information system in which it is used. It serves as confirmation that it was created by a specific person.
This electronic signature is used in banking operations, for authentication in information systems, obtaining public services, certification of documents in corporate electronic document management. It cannot be used for signing electronic documents or in information systems with a state secret.
A simple signature is similar to a handwritten one, if it is established by a separate regulatory legal act or if the participants in electronic document management have an agreement that indicates:
- Rules by which the signatory is determined.
- Responsibilities for maintaining key confidentiality.
Often, in information systems, the user should confirm his identity when visiting the system operator so that the signature has legal force.For example, to get a verified account on the State Services website, you should visit the registration center with a passport.
Where is it used?
Usually, an enhanced electronic digital signature is used to contact the entity in the organization of state, local authorities to receive certain services. This guarantor is required to send papers confirming the necessary legal facts, if the necessary services are performed on them.
This type of electronic signature is used when the applicant agrees to the processing of personal information. A reinforced version is used if necessary to provide documents certified by a notary. He is needed to participate in tenders on electronic platforms, submit reports to authorities, for labor relations with remote work.
Getting
How to get an enhanced electronic signature? To do this, the applicant needs to contact the certification center. Accreditation of these organizations is carried out by the Ministry of Communications and Communications, which thus establishes whether to trust a particular certification authority.
The certificate of the certification authority serves as a confirmation of security for the two parties that are involved in the exchange of documents. The center, which wishes to undergo accreditation, it is important to have a minimum amount of assets equal to 1.5 million rubles.
It is necessary that the company employs at least 2 employees who draw up and issue identification documents for signature verification keys. The service is considered paid, usually its cost is from 1 thousand to 6 thousand rubles. To get it, you must personally come to the certification center.
You need to take a passport with you. So an enhanced electronic signature of an individual is issued. If it is required by a legal entity, then constituent documents should be provided. Sometimes you need a power of attorney, which confirms the right of the applicant to perform actions for another person. The certificate and key are recorded on electronic media.
Where to go
We figured out how to make an enhanced electronic signature, now let's figure out where to do it better. The most popular companies include:
- Alfa Service. The company offers registration of key certificates. Signal holders have access to state portals, an electronic auction, and tenders. The company can order urgent production. The duration of the procedure will be no more than 10 minutes. Thanks to flexible prices and constant promotions, the company's services are available to everyone.
- "Taxkom." The company has been working in the field of electronic document management since 2000. During this period, cooperation was established with various organizations and government agencies. Partners include ministries, departments (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Federal Tax Service), popular brands (Nokia, Svyaznoy), credit institutions (Sberbank, Alfa Bank), Russian Post. Customers appreciate the company for its reliability and efficiency.
- Paperless Technology Center. The company was founded in 2016 by spin-off into a separate company from Garant-Park LLC. The center offers many services in 2 areas: paperless technology and electronic bidding. The company offers an increase in sales through the Center's online service. Clients can search for the necessary tenders and launches, follow the auction, win more auctions.
Benefits
What are the advantages of an electronic enhanced signature? The main ones include the following:
- The document will have the same legal status as paper with a certified company seal.
- You can submit documents with this signature around the clock.
- For entrepreneurs, this reduces time and material costs.
- Production takes place quickly - about 30 minutes.
- Paperless workflow will be efficient and secure.
An advantage of an electronic enhanced signature is that a person who holds a signature key certificate has the right not to refuse his signature, which is placed under the document in electronic form.This is permissible because only its owner knows the access code that is required for generation. Therefore, different circumstances are simplified if the parties have a conflict. A reinforced signature can be used to sign not one document, but several if they are interrelated.
Using
The named signature is applied in those areas indicated in the qualification certificate. The owner must ensure the confidentiality of the key.
If it is violated, you need to notify the certification center and the second interested person with whom correspondence is carried out within 1 business day. You do not need to use the key if you suspect a violation of confidentiality or the expiration of the certificate.
Check
Often, the user wants to make sure that this tool works. Verification of the electronic signature is carried out if:
- A special computer program installed from the drive to the digital signature. In this capacity, for example, CryptoPro can serve.
- A drive that is inserted into the receiving equipment during testing.
- Installed personal certificate.
- Installed library for electronic signature.
To verify the electronic signature, you need to visit the EDS registry and click on the special button. Please note that the computer must currently have Internet Explorer 5 installed. Only in this case will it be possible to work with ActiveX objects.
Validity
An electronic digital signature is valid 12 months from the date of receipt. After the end of the term, you need to extend it or get another one. This service is convenient for large firms and enterprises. With it, the document flow is cheaper, there are great business opportunities. It is convenient for ordinary citizens. They can order public services without leaving home.
Why is a hash function required?
This function is considered a unique number obtained from the document, using the conversion algorithm. It is sensitive to distortion of documentation if there is a change in at least one character. The hash function works in such a way that, according to its parameters, the source document cannot be restored. Also, you cannot find 2 different documents with the same value.
To create an electronic signature, the sender calculates a hash function and encrypts it with a secret key. In simple words, it is needed to facilitate the exchange of data. This is an important data protection tool. The file is hashed. The recipient can verify the authenticity of the document.
Electronic signature is an effective solution to various difficulties in the workflow. It is required to work with the portal of public services, sending various documents via the Internet. This can significantly save time, and often money.