A qualified electronic signature should be stored on a secure cryptographic device or in an approved application designed to protect digital certificates and signing credentials.
Because a qualified electronic signature is linked to a specific individual, its security depends on proper storage and access control. Unauthorized access to the signature could allow documents to be signed on behalf of the certificate holder.
Table of Contents
What Is a Qualified Electronic Signature?
A qualified electronic signature is an electronic signature created using a qualified certificate issued by a trusted certification authority.
The certificate confirms the identity of the person signing a document and helps ensure that the document has not been modified after it was signed.
Qualified electronic signatures are commonly used for:
- Signing contracts
- Submitting official documents
- Communicating with public institutions
- Electronic business transactions
Where Can a Qualified Signature Be Stored?
Depending on the provider and solution used, a qualified signature may be stored on:
- A cryptographic card
- A USB token
- A dedicated signing device
- A secure cloud-based signing application
The storage method should comply with the security requirements established by the certificate provider.
Security Considerations
To help protect your qualified signature:
- Keep the cryptographic device in a secure location.
- Do not share PIN codes or passwords used to access the certificate.
- Use only trusted devices and software when signing documents.
- Report lost or compromised certificates to the issuing authority as soon as possible.
A qualified electronic signature is designed to provide a high level of security and protection against forgery. The signing process also makes it possible to detect unauthorized changes made to a document after it has been signed.
Legal Validity
In many jurisdictions, including member states of the European Union, a declaration of intent signed using a qualified electronic signature has the same legal effect as a handwritten signature.
This means that documents signed with a qualified electronic signature can generally be used in situations where written form is required, subject to applicable laws and regulations.
Summary
A qualified electronic signature should be stored on a secure cryptographic device or in an approved signing application. Proper storage and protection of the certificate are essential for maintaining the security and legal validity of electronically signed documents.