Everything You Need to Know About Class 3 Digital Signature

Introduction

In the present world where everything is shifting towards the online platform, it is very necessary to protect and verify the electronic transactions and messages. In this regard, Digital Signature Certificates (DSCs) are employed for signing documents and for electronically verifying the identity of an individual legally. Among all the types of DSCs, the Class 3 is the most secure and popular one. In this blog post, you shall be availed with all the information you need to know about class iii dsc including what they are, what they consist of, their uses, why you need it and how to obtain one.

What is a Class 3 Digital Signature?

It’s a high assurance digital certificate that is used for the identification of the person or the organization online. It is primarily used for safe and sensitive Internet commerce and other similar services like e-commerce and e-governance. Issued by a Certifying Authority (CA), it ensures that the information transmitted through the internet is secure and cannot be tampered with.

Differences Between Class 3 , DGFT DSC and Document Signer Certificate

DSCs are of different types and each of them is developed to fulfil certain requirements and perform certain functions. Here’s a comparison between Class 3, DGFT DSC, and Document Signer Certificate, highlighting their key differences:

Class 3 DSC

1.      Purpose:

1. • General Usage:  These certificates can be used in several high security online transactions and for authentication.
   • Applications: For submitting income tax returns online, GST returns, MCA forms, trademark application, e-tendering, GEM registration, Start-Up India registration, document signing and authentication in online services such as banking and insurance.

2.      Authentication Level:

2. • Highest Level of Security: This involves a process of identification of the holder of the certificate through a face to face confirmation.

3.      Users:

3. • Individuals and Organizations: It can be employed by individuals and organizations for several secure online transactions and filings.

4.      Issuance Process:

4. • Verification: Issued out after the verification processes have been conducted such as the physical presence verification.

DGFT DSC

1.      Purpose:

1. • Specific Usage: Especially used in operations with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade in India.
   • Applications: Primarily for executing transactions on the internet and for interacting with the DGFT for obtaining IEC, submission of various documents concerning foreign trade, and for putting digital signatures to the applications and returns on the DGFT website.

2.      Authentication Level:

2. • High Level of Security: To be used in foreign trade operations, to ensure the authenticity of the submitted documents.

3.      Users:

3. • Exporters and Importers: This is for different organizations that may be involved in foreign trade including exporters and importers who will be dealing with DGFT.

4.      Issuance Process:

4. • Verification: Issued after the applicant has been approved by the DGFT as per the need of the trader.

Document Signer Certificate

1.      Purpose:

1. • Document Signing: Primarily employed in the signing of documents by organizations, for instance, invoices, reports, and other documents that may be in electronic form.
   • Applications: Employed by software applications and automated systems to sign large volumes of documents, which are verified as authentic and have not been tampered with, without the need for the user’s input.

2.      Authentication Level:

2. • High Level of Security: Protects the genuineness and sanctity of documents that are signed electronically by an organization’s system.

3.      Users:

3. • Organizations: Mainly implemented by the organizations that require signing of numerous documents electronically and in an automated manner like banks, financial institutions, and large scale enterprises.

4.      Issuance Process:

4. • Verification: It is given to organizations after ascertaining the identity and authority of the organization applying for the certificate.

Summary of Differences

·         Scope of Use:

• • Class 3 : Wide applicability in different fields that need secure digital signatures.
  • DGFT DSC: Designed for foreign trade operations with the DGFT.
  • Document Signer Certificate: Particularly for the electronic signing of documents by organizations.

·         Users:

• • Class 3 : Individuals and organizations of Different Industries.
  • DGFT DSC: Exporters and importers.
  • Document Signer Certificate: Businesses that require the use of automated signing for documents.

·         Applications:

• • Class 3 : Filing of tax returns, GST, MCA forms, e-tendering, e-signatures, etc.
  • DGFT DSC: Importer Exporter Code (IEC) applications, foreign trade documents.
  • Document Signer Certificate: Signing of large volumes of documents such as invoices, reports, etc.

·         Issuance Process:

• • Class 3 : Strict authentication including the face-to-face authentication.
  • DGFT DSC: Verification specific to foreign trade requirements.
  • Document Signer Certificate: Confirmation of the organization’s identity and its right to act on behalf of the company.

Both types of certificates are designed to address certain requirements and offer a reliable way to guarantee the identity and genuineness of electronic messages and business transactions.

Importance of Class 3 DSC for Secure Transactions

• Enhanced Security: It offers the highest level of protection to the online transactions and help in avoiding frauds and unauthorized access.
• Legal Recognition: They are legally approved under the IT Act of different countries and hence are very useful in legal and regulatory aspects of online transactions.
• Integrity and Authenticity: They provide assurance that the information that is sent and received is not tampered with and that the sender is who he/she claims to be.
• Trust and Confidence: By means of Class 3 Certificate, the businesses are in a position to establish credibility and reliability among the clients and partners which are very crucial in undertaking secure and sensitive transactions through the internet.

Key Features of Class 3 Digital Signature

High Level of Security

• Encryption and Digital Signatures: Its employ complex encryption methods to ensure that information shared over the internet is protected and cannot be accessed by unauthorized persons. Digital signatures generated with these certificates are unique to the signer and cannot be forged.
• Tamper-proof: Any change in the data after signing makes the signature invalid, thus making the data to be secure.
• Non-repudiation: Serves as evidence of the signed document’s origin, delivery, and non-tampering, which the signer cannot deny having signed the document.

Issuance Process (In-person Verification)

• Strict Verification: The process of issuing Class 3 certificate requires a proper identification of the applicant. The applicant must produce his or her credentials in person to the Certifying Authority (CA).
• Documentation: It involves the provision of a valid identity document, residential document, and in Organizational DSC cases, documents related to the organization.
• Verification Steps: After the in-person verification, the CA verifies the application and then the applicant is issued with the DSC usually in a USB token.

Validity and Renewal Process

• Validity Period: Class 3 certificates are usually issued for one to three years depending on the subscription period chosen.
• Renewal: It must be noted that the certificate expires and needs to be renewed after a certain period of time. The renewal process entails re-confirmation of the applicant’s identity and documents.
• Timely Alerts: The users get notified when their DSCs are expiring so that there is no break in security.

Compatibility with Various Applications and Platforms

• Versatility: These are suitable for use in e-filing of tax returns, e-tendering, e-procurement, and secure email communication.
• Cross-platform Support: These certificates are compatible with various operating systems and browsers, making them versatile.
• Integration: They can be easily integrated into the current digital environments and processes, thus improving security without interference.

Uses of Class 3 DSC

For Income Tax Returns (ITR)

Class iii DSC are commonly used for filing Income Tax Returns through the internet. They offer a safe and effective means of signing and submitting tax documents, which guarantees the information’s authenticity and non-tampering.

For Goods and Service Tax (GST)

Class iii DSC are employed by the businesses for filing of GST returns and other GST related activities. The DSC guarantees that the documents that are submitted are not altered in any way and are legal.

For Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA)

Class three digital signature are required for filing different forms and documents to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. This includes matters such as registration of the company, filing of annual returns and any other compliance matters.

For Trademark Registration

While applying for a trademark, a class three digital signature is employed to sign and submit the required forms online. This makes the process more secure and genuine as compared to the other methods of identification.

For E-Tendering

Class three digital signature are required for engaging in e-tendering activities. They are employed in signing and encrypting bids and proposals so that the documents submitted are safe and the bidder’s identity is authenticated.

For GEM Registration

To register for the Government e-Marketplace (GEM), one needs a class three digital signature. It is used for vendor registration, contract signing, and other official correspondences, which makes it safe and reliable for government procurement.

For Start-Up India Registration

Start-up India registration requires the submission of several documents online. These documents are signed using class three digital signature to ensure that the information is transferred securely and that the documents are genuine.

For Document Signing (Invoices, Contracts, Agreements, Legal Documents)

Class iii DSC is commonly used for signing different types of documents such as invoices, contracts, agreements, and legal documents. This not only makes the documents more secure but also gives non-repudiation, which means the signer cannot deny signing the document.

For Authentication in Online Services (Banking, Insurance)

Class three digital signature are employed for the purpose of authentication in several online services such as banking and insurance. They assist in the confirmation of the identity of the user and the protection of the online transactions to minimize fraud.

Benefits of Using a Class 3 Digital Signature

Enhanced Security and Encryption

• Advanced Encryption: These certificates employ very complicated techniques of encryption to make sure that only the authorized persons can decode the information being sent.
• Digital Signatures: These signatures prove the identity of the sender and guarantee that the document has not been altered by any other person.
• Data Integrity: Whereas any change made to the signed data invalidate the signature that means that the information cannot be changed from the signed form.

Legally Recognized in Many Countries

• Legal Compliance: The IT Act also acknowledges these certificates under the law in most of the countries that accept them for equal to handwritten signatures.
• Regulatory Acceptance: The said certificates satisfy several requirements concerning secure electronic transactions, and therefore are admissible in official and legal processes.
• Global Recognition: They are recognized in various jurisdictions therefore encourage the carrying out of international business and international transactions.

Reduces the Risk of Fraud and Identity Theft

• Non-repudiation: Since Class 3 certificates provide proof that the signed document was sent by the sender, received at the intended recipient and has not been tampered in any way, a signer cannot deny the involvement in a particular transaction.
• Secure Authentication: It also increases the security of the certificate since only legitimate people or companies will be issued with the certificate.
• Tamper-proof Signatures: Digital signatures that are created from type Class 3 are different in signature and therefore there is a reduction in incidence of identity theft and fraud.

Streamlines Online Transactions and Processes

• Efficiency: It enable efficient and safe execution of online transactions and therefore, reducing on paper work and physical contact.
• Cost-effective: As the processes are automated and secured online, a lot of time and money is saved hence enhancing efficiency of a business.
• User Convenience: It makes signing of documents and going through transactions relatively easier for the users irrespective of the time and place.

Additional Advantages

• Trust and Confidence: It is important to involve Class 3 certificates since it helps in creating a trusting relationship with the clients or the partners as this shows that the party is serious when it comes to security and truth in the digital environment.
• Versatility: These certificates are very versatile and can be incorporated in several places and hence are very useful in several activities.
• Future-proof: Thus, having the Class 3 Certificate makes the people and companies prepare for the new tendencies in the digital transactions and their protection.

Documents Required To Apply For Class 3 Digital Signature

a)     Document Required For Individual Type DSC

1)      Applicant Address Proof – Aadhar, Voter ID, DL, Elec. Bill, Bank Passbook, Passport (any one)

2)      Applicant PAN Card (if DSC usage in Incometax/GST)

3)      Mobile No (Valid)

4)      Email ID (Valid)

5)      Passport Size Photo

Note -IF DSC applied Through Aadhar Based– Photo not required)

b)     Document Required For Organization Type DSC

1)      Applicant Address Proof – Aadhar, Voter ID, DL, Elec. Bill, Bank Passbook, Passport (any one)

2)      Applicant PAN Card (if DSC usage in Incometax/GST)

3)      Mobile No (Valid)

4)      Email ID (Valid)

5)      Passport Size Photo

6)      GST Certificate

7)      Partnership Deed / Incorporation Certificate / LLP Deed / Registration Certificate etc.

8)      Authorization letter in favor of applicant.

Follow Below Steps To Buy DSC Online

1)      Visit our website signscure.in & Click on “Buy DSC” button.

2)      Choose the class of DSC as per your requirement

3)      Provide your documents accordingly as mentioned above.

4)      Our employees will help you to enroll for correct class of DSC & to do verification process.

5)      There will be 3 verification of applicant after enrolment.

a)      E-Sign OTP Verification – In this process applicant receive OTP on registered mobile number. Applicant have to submit the same OTP in verification process. With this OTP certifying authorities generate a e signature to sign auto generated agreement/form.

b)      Email Verification – In this process applicant receive OTP or Link on registered email ID. Applicant have to submit the same OTP while doing verification process or click on the email verification link to verify email address.

c)      Video Verification – In this process applicant receive a video verification link on his registered email ID. Applicant have to record and submit video recording as per instructions given on the page.

Please Note – 1) Applicant face should be clearly visible in video recording 2) Applicant have to show original documents which are uploaded while enrolment. 3) Applicant have to read 3 digital video code while recording the video. 4) No need to show individual original documents (PAN & Address Proof) in video if application is processed through Aadhar based option.

6)      Applicant will receive a payment link on registered email ID. Through that link applicant have to make payment for Digital Certificate.

7)      After verification complete application will be submitted to Certifying Authority for verification.

8)      Certifying Authority will approve application if both documents uploaded & verification done are correct. Applicant have to provide correct documents or do verification again in case of any discrepancy.

9)      Our employee will download your Certificate in latest USB Token & deliver it on your address.

Note – USB Token invoice will be provided separately by us & applicant have to pay separately for USB Token.

Common Misconceptions

Misunderstanding about the Complexity of Obtaining a DSC

• Perception of Difficulty: Some people consider that getting a DSC is a time-consuming and a rather difficult procedure due to the identification verification in person.
• Reality: The identity must be confirmed in person, but the procedure is rather not complicated and is designed to ensure maximum protection. Certifying Authorities (CAs) have simple procedures and provide proper guidelines to make it easier for the users.
• Support and Assistance: CAs are often engaged in providing assistance to the applicants in the process including documentation and verification.

Concerns about Security and Privacy

• Fear of Data Exposure: Some of the users are worried that the information which is required for the DSC may be misused or disclosed.
• Reality: Certifying Authorities are bound by legal provisions and data protection acts to safeguard the users’ data. They have incorporated high levels of security to ensure that the data of the individuals is not exposed.
• Secure Storage: The issued DSCs are stored in secure hardware tokens (USB tokens) to improve the security in a bid to reduce fraud incidences.

Tips for Safeguarding Your Class 3 Digital Signature

Best Practices for Storing and Using Your DSC

• Secure Storage: It is recommended that your DSC should always be stored in a hardware token like a USB token or smart card to avoid misuse.
• Access Control: Ensure that only the people who are supposed to have access to your DSC are the only ones who can get access to it. Never reveal your token or password to anyone.
• Safe Environment: In your possession, your hardware token should be safeguarded from physical perils when not in use.

Keeping Your Private Key Secure

• Strong Passwords: It is also necessary to choose a good, hard and unique password or PIN on your DSC. Passwords should not be easily guessable and it is recommended to change them from time to time.
• Encryption: Ensure that your private key is encrypted when stored. Never store the private key in an unencrypted form on your computer or other devices.
• Avoid Sharing: The private key should not be disclosed to anyone as this is a very sensitive information that should be kept a secret. The private key is supposed to be kept secret and one should never share it with anyone.

Regularly Updating and Renewing Your DSC

• Monitor Expiry Dates: It is recommended to verify the validity of your DSC and start the process of renewal before the expiry of the said certificate so that there is no disruption in the usage of the said certificate.
• Stay Updated: It is always recommended to look for any update or notification from the Certifying Authority on your DSC. Such updates may include security patches or enhancements.
• Renewal Process: The process of renewal of your DSC may include the Certifying Authority’s process of re-verification and uploading of documents.

Reporting Any Loss or Compromise Immediately

• Immediate Action: If you have misplaced, or your DSC has been stolen or you have any reason to believe that your DSC is compromised, then you should report to your Certifying Authority immediately.
• Revoke and Replace: The Certifying Authority can cancel the compromised certificate and then grant a new certificate to avoid misuse.
• Incident Documentation: Document the occurrence and the measures that have been put in place to prevent it. This can be helpful in the future when analyzing security incidences and improving security systems.

Additional Security Tips

• Regular Backups: Keep regular backups of important documents and files signed with your DSC. Ensure these backups are stored securely.
• Anti-Malware Protection: Use reliable antivirus and anti-malware software to protect your devices from malicious attacks that could target your DSC.
• Stay Vigilant: Be cautious of phishing attacks and other social engineering tactics that may attempt to gain access to your DSC.

FAQs

What is the validity period of a DSC?

These certificates are generally issued for a period of one to three years based on the subscription plan. DSC needs to be renewed before the expiry date to continue with the security and full functionality.

Can a Class 3 DSC be used for filing tax returns in India?

Yes, this certificate can be used for filing tax returns in India. It offers the maximum security and can be used for different online transactions, such as filing of income tax returns, GST Returns, MCA Fillings, TDS Returns, Trademark Registrations, e-tendering, and other governmental services.

How long does it take to obtain a DSC?

You can get DSC within a day. Generally, its depending upon how fast the applicant complete video & OTP verification process after submitting proper documentations.

Are Class 3 DSC recognized internationally?

Yes, It’s are accepted globally, particularly in those nations that follow the same digital security norms and policies. They are commonly employed in international business and commerce to guarantee safe and legally enforceable virtual relations.

What should I do if my DSC is lost or compromised?

In case your DSC is lost or has been compromised, you should inform your Certifying Authority. They can cancel the compromised certificate and then they can issue a new one to avoid any misuse. Always make sure that you report the incident and follow measures that will enhance security.

Conclusion

Class 3 Digital Signature are the important tools for security and identification of the digital transactions and messages. For this reason, they have many advantages for people and companies since they are more secure and flexible. The use of DSC will assist in enhancing your digital security and optimising your online activities, which will form the basis of a secure digital environment.