What is it advanced Electronic Signature (AES)

Advanced electronic signature is an electronic signature of an improved format, which is a cryptographic combination of a signature file with a personal file key of a person using the AES. In 2020, it replaced the EDS and is now the most common among Ukrainian citizens (about 90% of electronic signature holders use AES). It can be stored on any file medium, and therefore is less secure than QES.

What Is the Difference Between AES, EDS, and QES?

EDS (electronic digital signature) was used on the territory of our country from 2003 to 2020 and could also be stored on ordinary flash drives or in a computer folder. According to its characteristics, it was similar to the AES.

QES or qualified electronic signature is the most secure type of signature, as it is stored on special flash media (tokens) certified by the SSSCIP. The use of such a signature is mandatory for the organizers of state electronic tenders and is also usually required from their participants.

If in the conditions of the tender documentation for public procurement, the customer does not indicate anything about the type of electronic signature, the supplier may, at their discretion, choose the QES or AES.

For What Tasks Is the AES Used?

AES can be used to identify the user's identity (for example, on the bank or Diya website), to sign transactions, and e-documents (for example, to send them to counterparties through the Signy electronic document management system or submit an offer to SmartTender), to submit declarations on the NACP website, etc. To ensure information security, this type of signature cannot be used by customers of state online auctions and some other officials or employees to perform work tasks.

How to Get AES?

An advanced electronic signature is issued by special institutions – accredited key certification centers (for example, AKCC Ukraine, PrivatBank, etc.).

How to Use AES?

Typically, the application of an advanced electronic signature occurs as follows:

1. 1. The site has a special form that offers to download the AES file from the information carrier and select the name of the AKCC.
   2. In a separate window, the user enters the AES protection password.
   3. After pressing the “Sign” button, the signature is applied to the document or loaded into the system to identify the user.

This is how the signing of a tender offer for public or commercial procurement on an electronic trading platform takes place.