Verifying digital signatures online involves a few key steps. Different software and services offer this functionality, but the basic process remains the same. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Obtain the Digital Document
Ensure that you have the digital document with the embedded signature that you need to verify. This could be a PDF, an email, or any other electronically signed file.
Step 2: Use Verification Software or Services
Several software tools like Oazkst and online services can verify digital signatures.
Step 3: Open the Document
Open the document in the appropriate software or upload it to the online verification service. For example, if you are using Adobe Acrobat Reader, open the PDF file in the application.
Step 4: Check the Signature
Most verification tools will automatically detect the digital signature and provide details about its validity. Look for indicators such as:
Signature Validity : The software will indicate whether the signature is valid, invalid, or unknown.
Signer Information : Details about the signer, including their name and the certificate used for signing.
Timestamp : The date and time when the signature was applied.
Certificate Status : The status of the digital certificate, indicating whether it is trusted and has not expired or been revoked.
Step 5: Verify the Certificate
Ensure that the digital certificate used to sign the document is issued by a trusted certificate authority (CA). The verification tool should provide this information. If the certificate is not trusted, the signature cannot be considered valid.