Question

How has the protocol behind Digital Signatures changed in the last 20 years? Briefly discuss the history and background of this issue, and the current and future impact on the Network Security and Cryptography field.

Answer 1

Evolution of the protocol behind the Digital Signature in last 20 years.

In 1999 : The ability to implant digital signature into documents is added to PDF format.

In 2000: The ESIGN Act makes the digital signature legally binding. The Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN) allows the use of electronic records and electronic signatures to ensure the validity and legality of electronic contracts.

In 2002: The most widely used cloud-based digital signature software SIGNiX is founded.

In 2008: The PDF file format becomes an open standard to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) as ISO 32000.

Background of digital signature:

A digital signature is a mathematical technique used to validate the authenticity of a message. A digital signature contains evidence of origin, identity and status of an electronic document.

A digital signature scheme typically consists of 3 algorithms;

• A algorithm that selects a private key uniformly at random from a set of possible private keys. The algorithm outputs the private key and a corresponding public key.
• A signing algorithm that, given a message and a private key, produces a signature.
• A signature verifying algorithm that, given the message, public key and signature, either accepts or rejects the message's claim to authenticity.

Current and future impact on the Network Security and Cryptography field:

• Authentication

It is used to authenticate the source of the user.

• Integrity

It is used to validate that the message is not altered during transmission as any change in message invalidates the signature.

• Non-repudiation

By this the entity signing the signature cannot deny it in the future.

• Government uses

The U.S. Government uses digital signature for authenticating budgets, public and private laws and congressional bills with digital signatures, processing tax returns, verifying business-to-government transactions, ratifying laws and managing contracts.

• Healthcare

Used in the healthcare sector to improve the efficiency of treatment and administrative processes by strengthening data security.

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