In the courtyard of the XXI century is the era of informatization. It was at this time that the progress of innovative technologies affected almost all areas of activity, including document management in organizations and various enterprises.
What is EDS
An electronic digital signature is a means of verifying the authenticity of an electronic document. This tool is a kind of full replacement of the original signature that a person leaves on every document requiring it. Also, thanks to the digital signature, it is possible to completely exclude the possibility of changing and editing a document after it is signed.
Digital Signature History
For the first time the concept of "EDS" appeared back in the distant 80s, but then it was only a word and not an implemented idea. At the end of the 20th century, this device was developed and tested on several systems. After successful experiments, EDS quickly found its application in Russia. The domestic communications security department has developed its own data protection algorithm through digital signatures since 1996.
Over the past almost 20 years, this algorithm has been repeatedly improved, and more and more organizations and enterprises began to use the digital signature. Recent changes to the digital signature algorithm were made in early 2013.
Scopes of EDS
Today, when almost all large companies have switched to electronic document management, electronic digital signature no longer seems to be something new and incomprehensible. In addition, there is a signature not only for signing internal documents of the organization, but also an electronic digital signature for electronic bidding, thanks to which you can participate in various auctions and competitions. Such procurement procedures are carried out on specialized Web sites. In order to sign an EDS document, it is enough that a special program was installed on the computer, as well as an electronic digital signature in the form of a USB card.
Most often, for most of the various resources, several EDS are required. For example, a public services portal requires one signature, and the electronic digital signature for electronic bidding is completely different, which is issued exclusively by a specific certification authority.
What does this device look like
An electronic digital signature is a USB stick that stores the public and private key of the signature. This device in size and appearance resembles a regular flash-drive. The main thing is not to confuse the EDS with a flash drive, because if the EDS is stolen or lost, then the attacker can sign the necessary document. The cryptography technology used allows you to reliably protect the signed electronic document from subsequent changes.
EDS for electronic trading
Today, most organizations providing services in a particular area are registered and undergo the accreditation process in systems that conduct electronic tendering. In turn, companies that use these services are registered in the same way on procurement sites, after which they announce auctions and various competitions for the purchase of goods or services. To carry out all these procedures, you must have an EDS for electronic trading and the CryptoPro program.
The process of obtaining EDS
There are companies that manufacture and issue digital signatures. It is worth remembering that these organizations must have the status of a certification center, otherwise the EDS issued by such a company cannot be considered valid. The production of digital signatures for electronic trading should also be done by a specialized organization. However, budget organizations to participate in electronic bidding at some sites require the production of an electronic digital signature exclusively in the service of the Federal Treasury.
Both legal entities (LLC, OJSC, etc.) and individuals can obtain a cryptographic protection device. Moreover, an individual does not have to have the status of an individual entrepreneur. Today, everyone has the right to acquire an electronic digital signature and use it, for example, on the website of public services. Thanks to this device and a Web resource, everyone can manage their pension contributions or tax duties.
Documents for obtaining digital signature
For a legal entity:
- a copy of the extract from the Unified State Register of Legal Entities certified by a notary and received no later than a month before contacting the certification center;
- an application for the issuance of a certificate containing a digital signature key for electronic trading;
- a certified copy of the order on the appointment of the director of the company and a power of attorney for the right to receive a signature (if it is not received by the head).
For an individual entrepreneur:
- a certified copy of the extract from the USRIP or its original, which must be received no later than a month before submitting an application for an electronic digital signature;
- application for issuing a certificate and electronic digital signature;
- passport.
For an individual:
- original or certified copy of TIN;
- an application for the issuance of an EDS and a public key certificate;
- passport.
It is worth remembering that some certification authorities may ask at their discretion to provide additional documents for the design and manufacture of the device.
In most cases, the timing of the production of EDS is very short. Some certification authorities perform all the procedures in your presence, after which you can immediately pick up the device.