Today, many of us are used to signing documents using pen and paper. It was a standard way to confirm our identity and agreement with the content of the document. But, with the advancement of technology, we now have the possibility to use something even more secure and convenient – a digital signature. This blog will simply explain what a digital signature is, how it works and what its benefits are.

Traceability and security of digital signature

A digital signature offers a way to know exactly who signed a document and when. When you receive a digital signature from an authorized organization, it is linked to you through special security measures. This signature can be stored on a device such as a USB token or smart card, which contains your private key. Only you have access to this device, which means your signature is secure and protected from unauthorized use.

There are several standard formats in which a digital signature can be stored:

USB tokens: These are small devices that connect to your computer via a USB port. They contain the private key used to sign documents.
Smart cards: Similar to credit cards, they contain a chip that stores your private key. They are used with card readers.
HSM (Hardware Security Module): These are advanced devices that ensure the generation, storage and management of cryptographic keys in a highly secure environment.
Software certificates: Although not physical devices, software certificates are stored on a computer and used to sign documents in a similar way to physical devices.

Additional security measures, such as passwords or fingerprints, ensure that only you can use your digital signature. These protections make a digital signature more secure than a traditional handwritten signature, which can be forged.

What is a digital signature?

A digital signature is an electronic version of your handwritten signature, which establishes the identity of the signer in a digital environment. Instead of pen and paper, a digital signature allows you to sign a document on a computer, phone or tablet. When you sign a document with a digital signature, you confirm that you agree with the content of the document, and at the same time ensure that the document cannot be altered without being noticed.

Myths and realities about digital signature

Although the digital signature brings numerous advantages, there are still certain myths and misconceptions about its use. For example, some believe that a digital signature is not secure or has no legal force. However, this is not true - a digital signature is actually more secure than a handwritten signature, as it uses advanced technology to protect the integrity of documents. Also, in most countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, a digital signature has the same legal force as a handwritten signature.

How does a digital signature work?

A digital signature works through three key elements:

Something you have: This is a device such as a computer, mobile phone, USB token or smart card that contains your digital signature. Only you have this device.
Something you know: This is the password or PIN you use to access your device or digital signature app. Only you know this password.
Something that is yours: In some cases, your digital signature can be further protected by your fingerprint or facial recognition. This is something that is unique only to you.

When you sign a document with a digital signature, your device creates a unique code that is associated with the document. If someone tries to change the document after you sign it, the digital signature becomes invalid, meaning that the document has been changed. In this way, the digital signature ensures that the document remains exactly as you signed it.

Advantages of a digital signature compared to a physical signature

Immutability of the document: When you sign a document with a physical signature, there is a risk that someone can change the text of the document later. With a digital signature, this is impossible because a change would immediately invalidate the signature.
Security: Physical signatures can be easily forged, while a digital signature uses advanced technologies to ensure that no one can copy or misuse your signature.
Convenience: A digital signature allows you to sign a document anywhere and anytime, without having to go to the office or be physically present. This saves time and facilitates many business and administrative processes.
Legal force: Digital signature is legally recognized in most countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina. This means that digitally signed documents have the same legal value as those signed by hand.

How can a digital signature help citizens?

A digital signature can make many everyday tasks easier for you. If you need to sign a contract, you can do it from the comfort of your home, without having to go to a lawyer or a notary. Digital signature allows you to quickly and easily sign documents online, without the cost of mailing or traveling.

For citizens, this means less waiting in lines and faster performance of administrative duties. Regardless of whether you need to sign an application, contract or certify a document - a digital signature makes it all possible quickly and easily.

How can a digital signature help companies and responsible persons?

For companies, digital signature enables faster approval of documents, automation of administrative processes and reduction of costs related to printing and sending documents. This results in greater efficiency and time savings, which is key to being competitive in the market.

A digital signature also enables transparent tracking of who signed a particular document and when, thereby increasing accountability and reducing the possibility of error.

The future of digital signature

Looking ahead, digital signatures are expected to play an increasing role in global business. With the development of technologies such as blockchain and biometric authentication, the digital signature will become even more secure and flexible. This evolution will enable companies to manage their business processes even more efficiently and to respond to increasing demands for security and transparency in the digital environment.

How to get started with a digital signature?

How to get started with a digital signature? If your company has not yet introduced a digital signature, now is the right time to start. The first step is to choose a reliable digital signature service provider that meets all legal and technical requirements. There are several registered digital signature verifiers in Bosnia and Herzegovina, whose records are kept by the Ministry of Communications and Transport of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and you can view the list here. After acquiring a digital signature from an official certifier, it is necessary to educate the staff on how to use the digital signature and integrate this technology into existing business processes.

Conclusion

Digital signature is a simple and secure way to sign documents anywhere and anytime. Through a combination of the device you have, the password you know, and biometrics that are unique to you, a digital signature ensures that your documents remain secure and unaltered. If you are looking for a way to facilitate your business or daily tasks, a digital signature is the right solution for you. OWIS enables simple integration of digital signature technology into the system for managing processes and documents during the execution of existing procedures, and provides the possibility of signing directly in the system itself.

Digital signature: what is it, how does it work and how can it facilitate your daily activities?