02-05-2012, 01:03 PM
The Utah Digital Signature Act
Digital.Signature.pdf (Size: 12.72 KB / Downloads: 43)
Why signatures?
Authenticates who created a document
Adds formality and finality
In many cases, required by law or rule
– Deeds and wills
– Contracts over $500 or for more than a
year (Statute of Frauds)
– Timesheets and reports
– Homework
Digital signatures
Not simply a typed name or image of a
handwritten signature
Based on public-key encryption
Associated with a digital document
Public-key encryption
Based on use of a related pair of keys
– Unable to determine one key from the
other
– Either key can decrypt material encrypted
with the other key
– One is made public, the other kept private
How to obtain public keys
Issue of key escrow
Trusted public keys
Public key given on a certificate, issued
by licensed certification authority
Able to trace pedigree of certificate to
government regulator
– Utah Department of Commerce
Certificate has not been revoked
– Revocations listed in a repository
Future developments
State actions
– Smart cards
– Electronic notary seals
– “Signature surrogates”
Private sector actions
– Cybernotaries
– Electronic checks
– Anonymous, verified transactions