Answer:

Introduction:

A digital signature is a cryptographic tool used to verify the authenticity and integrity of digital messages or documents. It acts like a handwritten signature, but with additional layers of security.

Body:

Authentication of Digital Signature:

Authentication of a digital signature means verifying the identity of the signer and the integrity of the signed document. If the document hasn’t been altered since it was signed, the digital signature is considered authentic.

Salient Features of a Digital Signature:

• Authentication: Digital signatures authenticate the source of messages or documents.
  • For instance, an email with a digital signature ensures the receiver about the sender’s identity.
• Integrity: They ensure that the content hasn’t been altered in transit. If a digitally signed document is modified, the signature becomes invalid.
• Non-repudiation: The signer cannot deny their involvement in signing a document, providing legal accountability.
  • For instance, in digital contracts, a signer can’t deny they signed the agreement.

A few examples:

• Income Tax Returns: In India, digitally signing income tax returns is mandatory for certain categories of taxpayers, providing authenticity and non-repudiation.
• GST Portal: Businesses use digital signatures for GST filing, assuring the authenticity of the filed documents.

Conclusion:

Digital signatures play a vital role in fostering trust and security in the digital world. As India continues to digitalize various services, digital signatures become increasingly important for secure and verifiable transactions. It ensures the maintenance of confidentiality, data integrity, and authenticity in this digital era.