Digital signature in Word
How do you place a digital signature under an MS Word document?
A digital signature consists of two algorithms. One that verifies that the person signing is also the person to sign, the identification. And one that ensures that the signed document can no longer be changed or manipulated, the integrity. So how does that work in MS Word. "I can easily change those documents, can't I?"
Digitally signing a Word document works no differently than signing, say, a pdf or other format document. On the one hand, the signers are identified through some authentication. And on the other hand, after signing, the document is sealed.
Signers then receive notification that they can digitally sign the Word document. They can then view the Word document and "sign" it. Of course, they can no longer change the document. Beforehand, they must identify themselves through one of the authentication means used, think DigiD or a text message with a tan code.
After each signer digitally signs the Word document, the document is automatically sealed and a proof of validity is attached to the document. This creates a new document with attached proof of authenticity. The signers all receive this new digitally signed document for their own records.
Case study: drawing in MS Word
we briefly outline how digitally signing an MS Word document can work in practice. It starts by selecting a Word document to be signed. Then it is determined who all will sign this Word document. And which authentication means are used to identify the signers. The signers are then notified by e-mail that they can digitally sign a Word document. They can then view the Word document and 'sign' it. Of course, they can no longer change the document; if they do, they can no longer sign it.
Beforehand, they must identify themselves through one of the authentication means used, think DigiD or a text message with a tan code. After each signer digitally signs the Word document, the document is automatically sealed and a proof of validity is attached to the document. This creates a new Word document with attached proof of authenticity. The signers all receive this new digitally signed document for their own records. When this new document is changed, the proof of authenticity will clearly show.
