DIGITAL SIGNATURE
Quality Certification Services
In this article, we are going to discuss what a USB token is and how we can use it. A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is used to provide an e-signature on documents, which helps to verify the identity of the individual or organizations. USB Token plays a major role in the signing process; without USB Token, you can’t access the digital signature certificate unless you are using a cloud-based e-signature process, but when you use a Class 3 DSC for Government portals, the hardware USB Token is mandatory. USB Token is a secure hardware device used for storing a Digital Signature Certificate.
There are two types of USB Tokens available to enable a Digital Signature Certificate for signing.
We are discussing a Physical USB Token.
A USB Token for DSC is needed for:
A USB Token for DSC is mandatory for those who are using a Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for accessing the Government portals, like:
A USB Token is password-protected, so it needs a PIN to unlock the process of signing. Even if someone wants to sign documents using your computer, they cannot sign without a physical USB Token and PIN.
Keep the Private Key of the Digital Signature Certificate safe, so even if the computer is infected, it cannot be copied or stolen.
Approved by the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA), India, and it meets legal standards under the IT (Information Technology) Act, 2000.
Under this section, we describe the working process of a USB token and how it protects your digital signature while signing documents or accessing government portals. Here is the step-by-step guidance on how to use a USB Token with a computer.
Step 1.
Connect the USB token to your computer or laptop via the USB port.
Step 2.
Install the token drivers/software so the system can detect the device. There are different types of token drivers available, which help to read, detect, and communicate between usb token and the computer.
Step 3.
Now The Digital Signature Certificate stored inside the token is eligible for use.
Step 4.
Enter the Token PIN for signing documents or accessing the government portals.
Step 5.
The token creates the digital signature internally using the private key of the Digital Signature Certificate.
Step 6.
Now the procedure of signing the document is completed securely and legally.
📌Note: If you want to know about the Digital Signature Certificate, please read the article What Is a DSC? Types, Uses, and Advantages
A USB Token is an important element in the process of signing documents digitally. USB Token not only stores the private key of the digital signature certificate but also prevents misuse from forgery because it needs a PIN to access the certificate. A Class 3 DSC is needed USB Token for accessing the government's filing or login portals. Here we have got you covered in the simplest language on how to use a USB Token for signing documents electronically. USB tokens provide a reliable, compliant, and secure way to perform digital signing, making them an essential tool for individuals and organizations handling sensitive online transactions.