UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2019

Consider the following statements: A digital signature is 1. an electronic record that identifies the certifying authority issuing it 2. used to serve as a proof of identity of an individual to access information or server on Internet 3. an electronic method of signing an electronic document and ensuring that the original content is unchanged Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer

Correct Answer

3 only

Explanation

A digital signature is an electronic method of signing an electronic document that also verifies the content has not been altered (integrity). Statements 1 and 2 describe a digital certificate/authentication credential, not a digital signature.

Topics: cyber security, digital signature, information technology, science and technology