One-Click Digital Document Signing via Proxy Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital signature technologies require complex processes and multiple steps for verifying identity and signing electronic documents, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially in scenarios where a single action is desired for document signing.
Innovation Solution
A system that enables one-click digital signing of electronic documents using a signing server as a proxy, leveraging PKI and SAML technologies for Single Sign-On authentication, where a single action such as a mouse click initiates the signing process, automatically selecting the necessary credentials and verifying identity through kerberos and identity providers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional digital signature processes are used, then security and identity verification are ensured, but the signing process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication and credential retrieval actions before the actual signing operation. When a user initiates a signature, the system automatically authenticates the user's identity, retrieves the appropriate cryptographic credentials, and prepares the signing environment in advance, so that the actual signing requires only a single user action while security verification is already completed
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary signing server that mediates between the user and the document signing process. This server handles the complex authentication, credential management, and signature generation operations, allowing the user to interact with a simplified interface while the intermediary handles the security-critical backend processes
2Reliability
If multiple authentication steps are implemented, then security is improved, but the time required for signing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs authentication and credential verification in advance before the signing moment. User credentials are validated, and appropriate digital certificates are retrieved beforehand, so that during the actual signing process, these pre-verified credentials are used immediately without requiring repeated authentication steps
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous authentication sessions and keeps cryptographic credentials readily available during the signing process. Once a user is authenticated, the authentication state and associated credentials remain active and ready for use, eliminating interruptions and repeated verification steps that would otherwise extend the signing time
3Manufacturing precision
If manual credential selection is required, then accuracy of signature is ensured, but user effort and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs credential selection based on the user's identity and the document type without requiring manual user input. The signing server analyzes the context, determines the appropriate cryptographic credentials to use, and applies them automatically, ensuring accuracy through systematic selection while eliminating the need for users to manually choose credentials
Solution Approach 2:
The signing server acts as an intermediary that manages the complexity of credential selection. It receives the user's authentication information, automatically determines which digital credentials are appropriate for the signing context, and handles the entire credential selection and application process, freeing the user from this complex task while maintaining precision
Data Source
AI summary
In one example embodiment, a method is illustrated that includes parsing seed data from digital content, the seed data identifying a signing entity, transmitting identifier data to the signing entity identified by the seed data, transmitting content information relating to the digital content to the signing entity, and receiving digitally signed content information relating to the digital content, the digitally signed content information signed by the signing entity. In another example embodiment, a method is illustrated as including parsing seed data from digital content, the seed data identifying a signing entity, transmitting identifier data to the signing entity identified by the seed data, receiving a credential from the signing entity, the credential used to sign the digital content, and signing the digital content using the credential.