Electronic Signature
What is an Electronic Signature?
An electronic signature is an algorithmic system used to prove the authenticity or origin of a digital message or document.
A qualified electronic signature has the equivalent legal effect of a handwritten signature according to the provisions of Regulation (EU) No. 910/2014 [eIDAS Regulation], it is safely stored on a Qualified Signature Creation Device (QSCD) and is issued by a Qualified Trust Service Provider who is registered in the Trusted List of the European Union https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/tl-browser/#/.
The Greek Supervisory Body for Trust Service Providers is the Hellenic Telecommunications and Post Commission (ΕΕΤΤ).
The eIDAS Regulation has been applied since 2 July 2016.
Necessary requirements of the eIDAS Regulation for qualified electronic signature:
- Uniquely linked to the signatory
- Capable of identifying the signatory
- it is created using electronic signature creation data that the signatory can use under his sole control
- it is linked to the signed data in such a way that any subsequent change in the data is detectable
- it is created and stored on a QSSCD either a USB token or Remote.
What is a QSCD?
A Qualified Signature Creation Device is device where the Qualified Certificate for Electronic Signature is created and stored safely. The device must fulfil the requirements specified in Annex II of the eIDAS Regulation. Such devices are USB Tokens or those devices which are included in this QSCD List.
Types of QSCD:
- USB Token: Gemalto (Safenet 5110CC) and Oberthur (Cosmo ID One)
Description: This type of QSCD allows the use of qualified electronic signature/seals from devices equipped with USB port, and the QSCD is accessed using a PIN.
- Remote QSCD: Secure HSM device (type ARX COSIGN v.8.2) that is hosted in ADACOM’s facilities.
Description: This type of HSM allows the use of remote qualified electronic signatures so that signing van take place with the use of portable devices (smart phones, tablets). The QSCD can be accessed with the use of a special ADACOM’s application, which the user has installed on his device and the safe access is ensured by two factor authentication, (user name, password and One Time Password (OTP).
Types of Certificates for email accounts:;
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Class 1
They certify the authenticity of the document in which they are incorporated. They sign and encrypt documents and emails. They are issued only for email accounts. The user’s identity is not verified. -
Class 2
They certify the authenticity of the document in which they are incorporated. They sign and encrypt documents and emails. They are issued only for a legal person’s account, following its verification.
Types of Qualified Certificates are;
- Qualified Certificate for Electronic Signature for natural person
- Qualified Certificate for Electronic Signature for natural person associated with legal person
- Qualified Certificate for Electronic Seal for legal person.
So why choose a Qualified Certificate for Electronic Signature issued by ADACOM?;
- ADACOM is the 1st Provider of Qualified Digital Certificates in Greece (since 2002).
- ADACOM is a Qualified Trust Service Provider, certified by an accredited Conformity Assessment Body.
- ADACOM issues Qualified Certificates for Electronic Signature which can be used throughout the EU.
- It provides DigiCert’s guarantee (previously Symantec), world leader in certification.
- ADACOM provides its own complete solution for electronic signature.
- ADACOM’s certificates are compatible with all popular programs used daily (Adobe Acrobat, Outlook, Microsoft Office etc.).
- ADACOM has a specialized technical department regarding its trust services.
- Digital certificate services are insured by an international insurance organization up to 1.5 million Euro.