accreditation of electronic signatures
20 June 2007
The South African Accreditation Authority (SAAA) invites Authentication and
Certification Service Providers to apply for accreditation of their products
and services in order to change the status of their electronic signature to
that of advanced electronic signature.
Under the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (ECT Act), the
Department of Communications had to establish the SAAA, which is responsible
for the accreditation of authentication and certification products and
services. The SAAA has released accreditation regulations in Government Gazette
No 29995 on 20 June 2007. The regulations set the criteria, standards and
process that have to be followed by Authentication and Certification Service
Providers in order to comply with the regulations.
Once an authentication product is accredited, the status of the electronic
signature it supports changes to that of advanced electronic signature. This
process leads the way in ensuring that electronic communications take place
confidentially while at the same time ensuring authenticity, non-repudiation
and that the integrity of the communication remains intact.
Advanced electronic signatures will become the preferred form of electronic
signature since it is regarded in terms of the ECT Act as being a valid
electronic signature and to have been applied properly, unless the contrary is
proved.
The onus is therefore on a party disputing the validity of an advanced
electronic signature to prove it. Advanced electronic signatures will also play
a significant role in e-government. Where a law requires signature, only an
advanced electronic signature can be used in the electronic environment to
satisfy that requirement.
For more information please consult Alf Wiltz, the Deputy South African
Accreditation Authority or the SAAA website http://www.saaa.gov.za. A link is also available
on the Department of Communications website https://www.doc.gov.za.
Enquiries:
Albi Modise
Tel: 012 427 8000
Fax: 012 427 8026
Cell: 083 490 2871
E-mail: Albi@doc.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Communications
20 June 2007
