Use of digital signatures, electronic signatures, and digital certificates

Q: What is the difference between digital signatures, electronic signatures, and digital certificates? A: Digital signatures are numbers that are calculated using an algorithm for the contents of a file. When this file is sent electronically, the number is appended to the back. When the receiving program receives a digitally signed file, it computes a number using the same algorithm, if the number does not match the digital signature, indicating that the file may have been modified during transmission (possibly by a man-in-the-middle attack). It does not show where content is modified, only whether the content is the same or different from the original send. Electronic signatures are essentially electronic versions of handwritten signatures used in legal documents. Electronic signatures are required because the pen cannot be signed on an electronic file. There are several forms of electronic signature, but the most common form is to insert a scanned picture of the actual signature in a file. According to the management strategy, the input code can be arbitrary or unified, somewhat similar to "rsg02182010" or looks like handwriting, but is actually entered. Note that, as with digital signatures, even if an electronic signature is used in a file, it does not mean that the file has been validated and has not been modified. A digital certificate is another name for a public key certificate. They are generally used to verify that a message is from a specific user or a specific source. So if you want to send a file to someone and make sure that the other person knows that the file is from you, instead of someone else, you can use the private key certificate to sign the file. When the recipient receives the file, he acquires the public key certificate-either from a public site of the agreement or from other electronic channels that can communicate locally-and then run the certificate on the file. If the computed checksum is correct, the receiver will know that the file is from you. Let's imagine a scenario that uses digital signatures, electronic signatures, and digital certificates. If you want to send a business contract to a third party supplier. First, after completing the contract details in the word processing software, insert your electronic signature at the bottom of the document, indicating that you have confirmed the contract. Then, use your digital signature to generate a unique number, attached to the file, to ensure that the contract terms and content will not be modified. But just because your electronic signature and digital signature are in the file does not mean you can prove that the contract really came from you. You also need to sign the file with your private digital certificate. (maybe some programs can help you with the above three steps, you just click the selection box.) You can then send this file to the vendor via email. Upon receipt, the supplier obtains your public key digital certificate to ensure that the email is indeed from you. Then, run the digital signature program to verify that the contract was not modified after you sent it. Finally open the file, at the bottom of the file at the electronic signature, see you agree with the terms of the contract signature. The supplier can then process your order. It's easy! "Edit recommended" electronic signature technology to realize the concept of digital certificate "responsible editor: Xu Fengli TEL: (010) 68476606" Original: Digital signature, electronic signature and use of digital certificate return to network security home