A qualified signature is the digital equivalent of a traditional handwritten signature, which has the same legal force. However, in the world of electronic documents, the question arises: how can we be sure that the signature on the received file is valid and authentic? In this article, we will look at several ways to verify a qualified electronic signature.
The first step may be to check whether the document contains a visible electronic signature, provided that the signer has used a graphic visualization of his signature. In this case, the signature is marked with a special icon or signature field. If you open the document in Adobe Reader DC, when you click on the graphic symbol you will see detailed information about the signature, such as:
It is very common that in a signed document there is no graphic visualization, which does not mean that it is not signed. The electronic file contains encrypted information identifying its owner and data, the so-called public key.
Most of the publicly available programs in which you can preview a signed PDF document do not work with qualified signatures. Only Adobe Acrobat Reader DCpossesses built-in tools for verifying electronic signatures. When you open a signed document, the program automatically checks the validity of the signature and displays an appropriate message. A green checkmark usually indicates that the signature is valid, while a yellow checkmark indicates that there was a problem with its verification.
In addition, issuers of qualified signatures offer their own software to verify the signatures submitted.
Many state institutions offer free online services to verify electronic signatures. All you have to do is upload a signed document to the site, and the system will automatically check its authenticity and display a detailed report.
See: How can I confirm the validity of a qualified electronic signature in an uploaded document?
Verification of a qualified electronic signature is a simple process that can be done in several ways. This allows us to be sure that the document we receive is authentic and has not been modified after signing. Remember that if you have any doubts about the validity of the signature, it is always a good idea to consult the certificate issuer or an electronic signature specialist.
