Simple, unqualified and qualified electronic signature. Definition and difference

It can not be said that the electronic signature has become a mass phenomenon. But recently, its convenience and significant time savings have attracted the attention of many Russians. In addition, the new law significantly expanded the scope of the use of electronic signature.

Value

An electronic signature is a set of symbols attached to a document to identify the identity of the sender. The law "On Electronic Signatures", which began to operate from the beginning of 2011, allows you to use it for signing contracts, tax reporting, tax returns, etc. Do not queue for tax. Just need your qualified electronic signature, which is now equated to handwritten on a legislative basis. And now company executives, officials and ordinary citizens can send documents by e-mail. Let's talk about how to get a qualified electronic signature a little later. In the meantime, let's look at her views.

A simple signature

These are verification codes, passwords, logins and other means of identification. Let's take a look at the example of an electronic wallet. To use it you must have a login and a password. To make money transfers, as a rule, you need to enter one more password. That is, you identify yourself twice: at the entrance to the wallet and when making the transfer of funds. Of course, this is not the same as a qualified electronic signature, but the dominant number of Internet users use it. Go ahead.

Unqualified electronic signature

It is practiced in cases where there is no need for special registration of the document (for example, when the contract of lease does not require the presence of a seal). The most important thing is to have the ability to verify the authenticity of this document. If it had a qualified electronic signature on it, such a problem would not have arisen. And so you need to pay close attention to this. This type of signature is obtained by converting information using cryptography (hashing) and allows you to identify the person to whom it belongs. Also, this type of signature using a cryptographic key should enable verification of changes to an already signed document. If, of course, those were.

Enhanced Qualified Electronic Signature

To obtain it you will need to go to the certifying center accredited by the state. Only state certification assigns a qualified status to the signature. This signature must meet the criteria of unqualified. In addition, a qualified certificate is required, in which the verification key will be indicated. This makes it possible to equate this type of signature with the handwritten one. The algorithm of actions in case of loss of a signature is the same as for the loss of a bank card. You need to call the certifying center where it was registered, and ask for a lock. A qualified electronic signature is valid until the court has established a different decision.