“eCert” improving the security and controllability of digitally signed documents

Chen-Wilson, Lisha, Argles, David, Schiano di Zenise, Michele and Wills, Gary (2014) “eCert” improving the security and controllability of digitally signed documents. In, Electronic Identity. (SpringerBriefs in Cybersecurity) London, GB. Springer, pp. 41-90. (doi:10.1007/978-1-4471-6449-4_2).

Abstract

Issues and technology gaps exist in the realm of secure transmission of electronic documents. In this chapter, we propose a working solution (“eCert”) to the problems identified. This has been developed by exploring a case study of an electronic qualification (eCertificate) system, by developing a prototype system, and by testing it within several popular ePortfolio systems. From this work, the underlying protocol (the “eCert protocol”) has been abstracted and applied to a different domain, that of electronic identity documents. The resulting “Mobile eID” application has also been produced and tested, potentially enabling a person to carry their identity documents on a mobile phone, while ensuring that such documents can be verified as correct and tamper-free. A significant issue in this work is that the protocol developed is user-centric. Thus, the user retains ownership and control of their documents, yet is unable to tamper with the document contents, mirroring the current situation with corresponding paper equivalents.

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Contributors

Author: Gary Wills

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