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?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 3 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Why the answer is (c)
• A digital signature is an electronic method of signing an electronic record: it is created with the signer's private key and verified with the public key, which confirms who signed and that the content has not been altered (statement 3).
• Statement 1 is not correct: the electronic record that identifies the certifying authority is the Digital Signature Certificate, not the signature itself.
• Statement 2 is not correct: a digital signature authenticates an electronic document; it is not what serves as proof of identity to access information or a server on the Internet.
• Under the IT Act, 2000 digital signatures are legally valid in India.
• Hence 3 only, option (c), as in the official UPSC key.
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 only
- Statement 1 describes the Digital Signature Certificate, not the signature.
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- Statement 2 is not correct: a digital signature authenticates documents, not access to servers.
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
- Statements 1 and 2 are not correct.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2019, held on 2 June 2019. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.