Does anyone have and use a digital signature certificate?
I've had some digitally signed permits challenged today because I only have a self-signed certificate. I've been looking on the internet for a DSC but any vendor recommendations, advice or suggestions on the subject would be appreciated.
I use Cosign. The software is simple and they serve our market well. We also add a note regarding the signature. It can be stripped easily if you know how...
We use Active Client Agent. It is linked to a Smart Card. I can approve Pay Estimates up to a bunch of money with it so I should be able to use it for a multitude of other tasks. This system also allows us to send and receive encripted e-mails.
Andy, Have fun! 😉
https://surveyorconnect.com/index.php?mode=search&search=digital+signature+certificate
> Does anyone have and use a digital signature certificate?
>
> I've had some digitally signed permits challenged today because I only have a self-signed certificate. I've been looking on the internet for a DSC but any vendor recommendations, advice or suggestions on the subject would be appreciated.
Andy,
The link FL/GA, PLS posted includes several discussions of this subject. I responded to some of the threads and included a link to Electronic Information Transfer Requirements (pdf file) an article I wrote for the Professional Land Surveyors of Ohio newsletter. The article cites several Certificate Authorities (CA) and levels of certification available. That article also includes citations of federal and Ohio digital signature laws. The federal law is very inclusive and would allow a self-signed certificate. Although state laws may be more restrictive they generally follow the federal guidelines. Some laws allow any form of signature jointly agreed to by the parties to the contract. I suggested that in the future the various state boards of professional registration may make state verified digital certificates a part of the licensing process. Verifying such a digital signature would connect to the online license verification database.
A quick search of the Texas Statutes using "Electronic signature" (including the quotes) returned twenty matches. The "Uniform Electronic Transactions Act" appears, with a few exceptions, to be the governing law of Texas. All other laws and rules would likely use it as a guide and generally conform with this law. In addition PROPERTY CODE, TITLE 3. PUBLIC RECORDS, CHAPTER 15. UNIFORM REAL PROPERTY ELECTRONIC RECORDING ACT may apply if this is in relation to a real property permits or transactions. I would also check the Texas Administrative Code for rules that might apply.
[sarcasm]Naturally surveyors never encounter administrators and bureaucrats that create their own rules in conflict with everything in print.[/sarcasm]
I use IdenTrust for my digital certificate.