UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 74
Consider the following statements :
A digital signature is
- an electronic record that identifies the certifying authority issuing it
- used to serve as a proof of identity of an individual to access information or server on Internet
- 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?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: C
Correct Option: C
Explanation:
A digital signature uses cryptographic methods to authenticate a signer and detect any alteration of an electronic document. It is distinct from a digital-signature certificate and from general website login credentials.
Statement / Pair Analysis:
1 (Incorrect): An electronic certificate may identify its certifying authority; that is not the definition of the signature itself.
2 (Incorrect): A signature can support authentication but is not itself a generic internet-access identity credential.
3 (Correct): A cryptographic digital signature signs electronic content and verifies its integrity.
Option-wise Analysis:
A (Incorrect): It includes false item 1 (An electronic certificate may identify its certifying authority; that is not the definition of the…); omits true item 3 (A cryptographic digital signature signs electronic content and verifies its integrity).
B (Incorrect): It includes false item 2 (A signature can support authentication but is not itself a generic internet-access identity…).
C (Correct): Includes all and only the true statements/pairs.
D (Incorrect): It includes false item 1 (An electronic certificate may identify its certifying authority; that is not the definition of the…); includes false item 2 (A signature can support authentication but is not itself a generic internet-access identity…).