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?
Show answer
Answer: C. A digital signature is a way of signing an electronic document using encryption so that it is authentic and shows the content has not been changed (statement 3). Statements 1 and 2 describe a digital certificate, which identifies the certifying authority and proves identity. So 3 only.
Watch for: Digital signatures and digital certificates are used together, so students mix up their roles.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Wrong because identifying the certifying authority is a feature of a digital certificate.
- B. Wrong because proof of identity for access is the role of a digital certificate, not the signature.
- D. Wrong because statements 1 and 2 describe digital certificates.
Source to check: Information Technology Act, 2000, Sections 2(1)(p) and 3; Controller of Certifying Authorities (cca.gov.in)
Answer from the official UPSC key. Written and fact-checked by AI against the official key. Spotted a mistake? Report it.