What is it electronic Digital Signature (EDS)

An electronic digital signature is a type of electronic signature that is formed by the following operation: a set of electronic data is cryptographically transformed and added to the same untransformed set or logically combined with it, thanks to which the integrity of this data is ensured and the possibility of identifying its owner – the signer. Starting from November 2020, EDS is not used in Ukraine – QES or AES are used instead.

What Is the Difference Between EDS and QES/AES?

EDS was used in our country from 2003 to 2020. It could be stored on ordinary flash drives or in a computer folder. Previously, it was used by participants and customers of public procurement and commercial bidding.

AES or advanced electronic signature is a modern analog of EDS. It can also be stored on any media, but it is protected against changes. Currently, it is used by about 90% of Ukrainian citizens, including participants in commercial purchases.

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

For What Tasks Is EDS Used?

EDS is used to identify the user's identity (for example, on the bank's website or in "Dia"), to sign agreements, e-documents (for example, to send them to counterparties through the Signy electronic document circulation system or to submit an offer on SmartTender), to submit declarations on the NACP website, etc.

How to Get EDS?

Until 2020, electronic digital signatures were issued by special institutions – accredited key certification centers (for example, АССК "Ukraine", Privatbank, etc.). Starting from 2021, it will be impossible to get them – instead, citizens will be issued an AES or QES.

How to Use EDS?

Usually, the application of an electronic digital signature took place as follows:

1. 1. There is a special form on the website, which offers to download the EDS file from the information carrier and select the name of the АССК.
   2. In a separate window, the user enters the EDS protection password.
   3. After pressing the "Sign" button, the EDS is applied to the document or uploaded to the system for user identification.

This is how the tender offer is signed in online auctions on electronic trading platforms.