The purpose of a digital signature is the same as your handwritten signature. Instead of using pen and paper, a digital signature uses digital keys (public-key cryptology). Like the pen and paper method, a digital signature attaches the identity of the signer to the document and records a binding commitment to the document. Unlike a handwritten signature, It is considered impossible to forge a digital signature the way a written signature might be.

The real value is in avoiding the paper and keeping your data electronic for a variety of reasons: save paper, send documents quickly via email, you can have multiple/exact copies and easier to manage the storage.

To use digital signature software requires some initial setup: you will need a signing certificate. If in your business you commonly sign documents or need to verify the authenticity of documents, then digital signatures can help you save time and paper-handling costs. The DigiStamp web site and software is designed to help you with the process and allow you to take advantage of the convenience and power of digital signatures.

The digital signature software is provided at this web site for you to install and use. You will need to get your personal signing certificate. Creating your certificate involves creating a public-priivate digital key pair and a Certificate Authority. The private key is something you keep only to yourself. You sign a document with your private key. Then, you give your public key to anyone who wants to verify your signature. The process of creating your public-private key pair is easy and quick; we will help you with process.

Public Keys. The public key certificate creates proof of the identity of the signer by using the services of a certificate authority. A certificate authority uses a variety of processes to associate the particular public key with an individual. You give your public key to anyone who wants to verify your signature. The combination of your public key and proof of identity result in a public key certificate - also called a signer's certificate.

Private Keys. The private key is something you keep only to yourself. You sign a document with your private key. The public and private keys are related mathematically. Knowing the public key allows a signature to be verified but does not allow new signatures to be created. If your private key is not kept “private,” then someone could maliciously create your signature on a document without your consent. It is critical to keep your private key secret.

Here are some screen shots from our digital signature software, IP-Protector, to help you visualize a digital signature:

• A summary of a digital signature and its time stamp.
• Adding standard commitment qualifiers to your signature.
• The signature’s associated public key certificate

A time stamp that provides a third party witness (like an electronic notary) to when you signed the document is described here.

Much has been written about digital signatures and we provide some links to other resources on the Internet.

Below are video clips and screen prints to help you visualize how the IP-Protector application is used to complete various tasks. You can use the QuickTime player, or you can download the AVI file to your computer.

Screen shots:

• A summary of a digital signature and its time stamp.
• Adding standard commitment qualifiers to your signature.
• The signature’s associated public key certificate.

		QuickTime Movie	Download an AVI file, then unZip and play.
	Signing your first document. Part 1. account setup choose file to sign signature qualifiers		sign1p1.zip (3.6 M)
	Part 2. Signing your first document. access private key processing steps new signature		sign1p2.zip (4.6 M)

Please let us know what other insturctional demonstrations that you would find helpful.