How are connected the digital Identity and Digital Signature in Web 3.0?
Explores how digital and electronic signatures are fundamental in the age of digital identity, with a special focus on decentralized technologies, advanced cryptography and Self-Sovereign Identity within the Web 3.0 world.
Disclaimer:
In this article, we will use the terms “decentralized identity” and “SSI” (Self-Sovereign Identity) interchangeably. It should be noted that the views and opinions expressed are based on our experience in the field of digital identity, but should not be interpreted as legal definitions.
What is an electronic signature?
An electronic signature, in essence, is your consent in the digital world. It can be an image of your signature, a PIN code, or even a click of a button. It is vital in managing digital identities and preventing cyber-attacks.
Digital signature: a specialization of electronic signature
The digital signature, a specific subset of the electronic signature, relies on asymmetric cryptography technologies. This technology uniquely links each signature to the signer and the document, providing reliable verification of authenticity. A clear example is the Verifiable Credentials (VCs).
Digital signature and legal entities in different countries
Let’s see two examples on this subject:
- In Argentina: Digital signatures are restricted to individuals, which presents unique challenges for digital identities.
- In Mexico: Legal entities can use digital signatures, advancing in the management of digital identities.
Private key management and security
The security of a digital signature is based on proper management of private keys. The responsibility for protecting these keys varies by country and type of entity, being crucial for online security.
Following the previous example, in countries where the digital signature is personal, as in Argentina, the responsibility for protecting the private key falls on the individual, which is fundamental for the prevention of cyber-attacks. In Mexico, on the other hand, the entity is responsible for its protection.
Identity in the legal and commercial sphere
Identity, both for individuals and entities, is built through actions, reputation and other attributes accumulated over time. For legal entities, this includes their track record, credentials and legal compliance. This identity is crucial in business and legal interactions and operations, and is at the core of what defines Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) in the Web 3.0 era.
Digital signature in Web3
Web3, with its focus on decentralized identity, proposes a new paradigm in the management of digital signatures. This decentralized approach, exemplified by protocols such as QuarkID, significantly improves interoperability between different systems and entities, allowing greater flexibility and control by users over their digital identities.
In turn, these technologies enable selective disclosure, which allows users to share only the information that is essential for a specific transaction, protecting their privacy.
Simultaneously, the concept of non-repudiation ensures that users’ actions, backed by the immutability of the blockchain and advanced digital signatures, are indisputable, increasing the security and reliability of digital interactions.
Conclusion
Digital and electronic signatures are essential in the era of Web 3.0 and digital identity. Understanding these concepts is crucial for their effective implementation. To learn more about how Extrimian integrates digital identity and cybersecurity solutions, visit Extrimian.
Glossary
Digital Identity:
Electronic representation of a person or entity in the digital world, composed of data and information that define its characteristics and credentials.
Electronic Signature:
Electronic method to indicate consent or approval in digital documents or online transactions. It can include anything from a scanned image of a handwritten signature to more sophisticated methods.
Digital Signature:
Advanced type of electronic signature based on asymmetric cryptography, which ensures the authenticity and integrity of a digital document.
Asymmetric cryptography:
Encryption system that uses a pair of keys, one public and one private, for data encryption and decryption.
Verifiable Credentials (VCs):
Digital credentials that can be verified electronically, such as a digital ID or a university degree.
Private Key Management:
The process of managing and protecting the private cryptographic keys used in digital signature and data encryption.
Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI):
Concept of digital identity that allows individuals to control and manage their own identity data autonomously.
Selective Disclosure:
Technique that allows users to selectively disclose certain information while keeping other personal details private.
Non-Repudiation:
Property that ensures that once a digital action (such as a digital signature) has been performed, the author cannot deny its authorship.
