#documents authentication

[aliasgarabbasbhai]

How Can You Check Your Digital Document’s Authenticity?

The new normal, rise of remote and hybrid work models, and widespread penetration of the Internet have ushered in the digital era of documents. As more and more businesses and organizations are moving away from paper-based documents or digitizing their existing records, it’s necessary to check if the digital document you have is authentic.

Admittedly, a digital document is eco-friendly, costs less, and doesn’t require copious amounts of real estate to store unlike their paper contemporary, but they are vulnerable to targeted attacks. This means digital documents can be hacked, forged, and altered easily by someone who has the know-how and isn’t afraid to take risks.

In this scenario, it becomes difficult for you to decide if the document you have is original or a tampered version? Worse, what if the presented document digital is fake? Fortunately, there are several methods you can employ to check the authenticity of digital certificates, aka verifiable credentials.

What is a Digital Certificate?

Before we get into the methods you can use, it’s important to understand the meaning of a digital certificate. A digital certificate is similar to a regular digital document. The key difference is this document is hosted on the blockchain. It also follows the guidelines laid down in the Verifiable Credentials Data Model 1.0 by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).

Based on its association with blockchain and the data model rules, the document is tamper-proof, can be verified by machines, and uses privacy-enhancing technologies, like decentralized identifiers (DIDs). This is all well and good, but how can a digital certificate prove authenticity?

4 Ways You Can Check the Authenticity of Your Digital Documents

Here are the four ways you can check the authenticity of your digital documents:

1. Verify the Document’s Digital Signature

Digital documents are signed to authorize the information presented and help build trust in the document. Think of them as regular signatures, but more secure and binding. They use popular digital signature protocols like the DSA (digital signature algorithm).

That being said, this type of signature isn’t exempt from fraud. So, how can you verify the document’s digital signature? Look for two key elements in a digital signature to verify its authenticity, including:

Pairing of private and public keys: Since the digital signature certificate is hosted on a blockchain network, it uses public and private keys for signature. Basically, the issuer uses their private key to securely sign a verifiable credential, whereas the public key is shared with the holder or public (in case a lot of people need to access the secured document). Unless the public key matches the private key, no one can decrypt the encrypted message.

Hash code: When the issuer cryptographically signs a document using their private key, a hash code (containing letters and numbers) is generated based on the document’s content. Ultimately, this code is encrypted using the signer’s private key for the development of a digital signature.

These two elements are your guide to verifying the authenticity of your document. The first step is to match the public key with the private key. If a public and private key don’t match, that’s a definite red flag.

The other option is to compare the hash code. A receiver generates a new hash code for the received document when they decode it. This generated hash code should match the hash code generated during signature. If the code isn’t exactly the same, it could be indicative of a tampered and fake document.

2. Check the document’s metadata

A document’s data can often be found in its metadata (the data about data). The metadata will offer details regarding the document’s content, origin, history, and more. The data is your map to explore the hidden paths of the document and learn all about it. You just need to know where to look and be patient while going through the data.

To illustrate, if you want to check the document’s authenticity, you might want to check how it was created and dive deep into the licenses and rights of the document. So, to discover all this information about the document, you’d want to check its administrative metadata. You might also be interested in checking the location of where the document was created. If yes, look for the document’s geospatial metadata.

But if you are more curious about the document’s creator, keywords, its title, and more, you’d get your answers by exploring the descriptive metadata. Similarly, structural metadata will cover details on the document’s structure, like pages, sequence order, chapters, and more.

Simply put, all the data about the document is already there, you just need to exercise patience and go through it with a fine-toothed comb so you don’t leave any interesting crumbs behind.

3. Authenticate the document’s hash value

A document’s hash value is akin to its digital fingerprint. Just like no two fingerprints are the same, no two hash values are the same (though there might be some exceptions). This is mostly because a hash value, a fixed character string of letters and numbers, is generated solely based on the document’s contents.

When secured on the blockchain, the hash code is submitted on the network, too. This makes the hash value immortal. Here’s the kicker: Whenever someone makes a change to the document (think a change as miniscule as a grammar Nazi removing or adding a comma), its hash value changes inexplicably.

This property makes the hash value a game-changer in the world of document security. For instance, when you send a document to a receiver, you just need to provide the original hash value to the receiver. The recipient will then recalculate the document’s hash to ensure it matches the issuer’s. If it doesn’t it’s a clear indicator of a tampered document.

Most blockchain-based document security platforms use the SHA-256 (secure hash algorithm-256) to secure and tamper-proof documents.

4. Examine the document’s digital trail

A digital trail is akin to a document’s history. Think of this exercise as checking a Google Doc’s history. So, basically examining when the document was created and by who. Further, when and how it was edited and who contributed to the edits. This adds another layer of security to the document.

However, this feature isn’t available for all digital documents. This is mostly provided by blockchain security solutions, like ProofEasy, that want to build a digital fortress around all documents and ensure you know exactly what’s happening with your document.

Keeping track of the digital trail will help you stay on track and check if the document has been altered or tampered. It’s important to note that an original document stored on the blockchain can never be altered because whenever you edit it (even if you’re the issuer), a new hash value is created for the document.

So, you’ll always be in the know when a document is altered or tampered with. An absence of a digital trail will also help you identify fake documents and keep your business secure against fraudsters.

Generate Authentic Documents on ProofEasy

ProofEasy is a blockchain and QR code solution that helps secure existing documents and securely issue new documents. The best part, though? You’ll always be in charge of your documents. All you have to do is go to the unified dashboard to keep track of all your documents and manage them.

The cherry on top is the budget-friendly pricing of the solution. But you don’t have to commit to anything until you’re 100% ready. So, why don’t you take ProofEasy for a spin? Simply sign up on the platform to start your free trial. No credit card details are required.

[punxsutawneyfilth]

I cannot tell you how many times someone is like "Why is this thing the way it is?" and I say "Because that's how it is" and they're like "Can you show us a document to prove that" and I submit a document that says "Hello. This is the way it is because that's how it is." and they say "Perfect thanks"

[fideidefenswhore]

In the decretal commission for Henry’s case, the ‘facts’ under scrutiny were three, all related to the original dispensation granted so that Henry could marry his sister-in-law: Had the marriage between Henry and Katherine been necessary to preserve the peace between England and Spain? Had Henry agreed to the marriage in order to preserve this peace? Had Henry VII, Isabella, or Ferdinand died before the dispensation went into effect? The questions were so posed that not only was it easy to arrive at the factually correct answers, but the answers themselves would be precisely those that would most effectively undermine the validity of the dispensation . . . it was to be laid down in the decretal commission that it required the facts in only one of the three matters to be investigated to prove inconsistent with what was stated in the dispensation for the marriage to be declared invalid.’’ Since the document was destroyed, it is impossible to determine how far Clement went along with this ruse, but given that it was destroyed by papal order one can safely assume that the solution it contained was in the king’s favor.

The Italian Encounter with Tudor England: A Cultural Politics of Translation, Michael Wyatt

[hollenka99]

I’m going to kill someone. I ran a scan through my computer and now my Sticky Notes have been deleted. 3-4 years’ worth of notes have completely vanished. The worst one was my transcript word count which showed progress throughout the 18 months Regicide has been going. Like I can rewrite the months and totals but there were bits where a month’s total ended on the 16th because I was checking for a month anniversary which cannot be replicated. It will never be the same.

[ujaglobaladvisory]

Advisory for GST Registration Process (Rule 8 of CGST Rules, 2017) Dated February 12, 2025

In line with recent developments in the GST registration process, applicants must adhere to the following steps as per Rule 8 of the CGST Rules, 2017:

Applicants Not Opting for Aadhaar Authentication:

If you choose not to authenticate via Aadhaar, you must visit the designated GST Suvidha Kendra (GSK) for photo capturing and document verification.

Upon selecting “NO” for Aadhaar authentication, an email will be sent with GSK details and required documents.

You can schedule an appointment via a link in the email. An appointment confirmation will follow through mail.

Visit the GSK at the scheduled time for photo capturing, document verification.

Non-Generation of Application Reference Number (ARN):

For applicants opted Aadhaar-authentication and application identified for Biometric Authentication: If any of the Promoter/Partner or PAS fails to visit the GSK or biometric authentication fails or document verification is not completed within 15 days of submitting Part B of REG-01, the ARN will not be generated. Ensure that your Aadhaar details (name, date of birth, gender) are accurate to avoid authentication failures. If any discrepancies occur, update Aadhaar and visit the GSK within 15 days.

For non-Aadhaar applicants:If photo capturing or document verification is not completed within 15 days, the ARN will not be generated.

Taxpayers are urged to follow this advisory to ensure smooth processing of their GST registration applications.

[jackramsdalephotography]

The Importance of Artwork Documentation Services in Philadelphia: Protecting Your Art Investment

Whether you are a collector, artist, or gallery owner, keeping track of your artwork is essential to ensure its value, provenance, and protection. Artwork documentation services in Philadelphia are designed to help you safeguard your collection while ensuring its authenticity and proper care. These services play a crucial role in the art world by offering detailed records, condition reports, and various other forms of documentation that are vital for the artwork's history, ownership, and preservation.

What Artwork Documentation Services Include

Artwork documentation services in Philadelphia offer a variety of services that cater to the needs of artists, collectors, and institutions. These services typically include detailed condition reports, high-quality photographic documentation, and written descriptions of the artwork. Condition reports are particularly valuable, as they provide a comprehensive assessment of the artwork's current state. These reports cover details such as any existing damage, previous restoration work, and any factors that might affect the piece's long-term preservation.

In addition to condition reports, professional documentation services often include a detailed cataloging system, which organizes your artwork based on factors like medium, size, and artist. This catalog serves as a valuable reference, making it easier to track your collection for inventory purposes or for insurance evaluations. Photography services are another key component, with high-resolution images that accurately capture the artwork’s details, allowing you to assess its condition over time.

The Benefits of Using Artwork Documentation Services in Philadelphia

Working with experts in artwork documentation ensures that your art is preserved and protected with the utmost care. One of the primary benefits is that it provides an additional layer of security for your investment. Professional documentation helps prevent the misidentification or loss of artwork, as it includes detailed and accurate information that can help you recover a stolen piece or verify its authenticity if needed.

Another major advantage is the increased value that properly documented artwork holds. Whether you plan to sell, exhibit, or simply ensure your collection is properly insured, having documentation that proves authenticity, condition, and provenance can make a significant difference in the piece’s marketability.

Additionally, artwork documentation services in Philadelphia also offer a level of expertise that comes with years of experience in the art industry. These professionals are trained to recognize even the smallest details that could impact the artwork’s value, condition, or historical significance. This ensures that the documentation provided is thorough, accurate, and invaluable for any future transactions.

Conclusion

In the world of fine art, proper documentation is key to preserving the integrity and value of a collection. Artwork documentation services in Philadelphia provide crucial services that safeguard your artwork, enhance its market value, and ensure its authenticity. Whether you are an artist, collector, or gallery owner, working with professional documentation experts is a smart investment that guarantees the long-term security and success of your art collection. By choosing reliable artwork documentation services, you can rest assured that your pieces are fully protected and will retain their value for years to come.

[hagueapostilleservicesblog]

US Alaska High School Diploma Apostille Online

US Alaska High School Diploma Apostille Online If you need to use your Alaska high school diploma abroad, you may be required to obtain an apostille. An apostille is an official certification that verifies the authenticity of your diploma for use in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention. The process can be complicated and time-consuming, but Hague Apostille Services makes it…

[dragons-and-yellow-roses]

I'm trying to prepare answers for a self-tape for an application to Trans Lifeline and in the midst of it I just made myself emotional with a tangent about why I'm actually passionate about the opportunity.

[anotherdayforchaosfay]

Cybercriminals are abusing Google’s infrastructure, creating emails that appear to come from Google in order to persuade people into handing over their Google account credentials. This attack, first flagged by Nick Johnson, the lead developer of the Ethereum Name Service (ENS), a blockchain equivalent of the popular internet naming convention known as the Domain Name System (DNS). Nick received a very official looking security alert about a subpoena allegedly issued to Google by law enforcement to information contained in Nick’s Google account. A URL in the email pointed Nick to a sites.google.com page that looked like an exact copy of the official Google support portal.

As a computer savvy person, Nick spotted that the official site should have been hosted on accounts.google.com and not sites.google.com. The difference is that anyone with a Google account can create a website on sites.google.com. And that is exactly what the cybercriminals did. Attackers increasingly use Google Sites to host phishing pages because the domain appears trustworthy to most users and can bypass many security filters. One of those filters is DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail), an email authentication protocol that allows the sending server to attach a digital signature to an email. If the target clicked either “Upload additional documents” or “View case”, they were redirected to an exact copy of the Google sign-in page designed to steal their login credentials. Your Google credentials are coveted prey, because they give access to core Google services like Gmail, Google Drive, Google Photos, Google Calendar, Google Contacts, Google Maps, Google Play, and YouTube, but also any third-party apps and services you have chosen to log in with your Google account. The signs to recognize this scam are the pages hosted at sites.google.com which should have been support.google.com and accounts.google.com and the sender address in the email header. Although it was signed by accounts.google.com, it was emailed by another address. If a person had all these accounts compromised in one go, this could easily lead to identity theft.

How to avoid scams like this

Don’t follow links in unsolicited emails or on unexpected websites.

Carefully look at the email headers when you receive an unexpected mail.

Verify the legitimacy of such emails through another, independent method.

Don’t use your Google account (or Facebook for that matter) to log in at other sites and services. Instead create an account on the service itself.

Technical details Analyzing the URL used in the attack on Nick, (https://sites.google.com[/]u/17918456/d/1W4M_jFajsC8YKeRJn6tt_b1Ja9Puh6_v/edit) where /u/17918456/ is a user or account identifier and /d/1W4M_jFajsC8YKeRJn6tt_b1Ja9Puh6_v/ identifies the exact page, the /edit part stands out like a sore thumb. DKIM-signed messages keep the signature during replays as long as the body remains unchanged. So if a malicious actor gets access to a previously legitimate DKIM-signed email, they can resend that exact message at any time, and it will still pass authentication. So, what the cybercriminals did was: Set up a Gmail account starting with me@ so the visible email would look as if it was addressed to “me.” Register an OAuth app and set the app name to match the phishing link Grant the OAuth app access to their Google account which triggers a legitimate security warning from no-reply@accounts.google.com This alert has a valid DKIM signature, with the content of the phishing email embedded in the body as the app name. Forward the message untouched which keeps the DKIM signature valid. Creating the application containing the entire text of the phishing message for its name, and preparing the landing page and fake login site may seem a lot of work. But once the criminals have completed the initial work, the procedure is easy enough to repeat once a page gets reported, which is not easy on sites.google.com. Nick submitted a bug report to Google about this. Google originally closed the report as ‘Working as Intended,’ but later Google got back to him and said it had reconsidered the matter and it will fix the OAuth bug.

[alcimenotaryservicesllc]

When it comes to legal documents, accuracy and convenience are critical. Opting for mobile notary services ensures your notarization needs are met without the hassle of traveling to an office. Here’s why mobile notary services are a valuable choice, particularly for residents and businesses.

[dianasmobilenotary]

When it comes to ensuring your decisions are carried out as you wish, ensuring that your Power of Attorney (POA) document is notarized correctly is crucial. Notary services in Santa Rosa, California, are here to make this process as smooth as possible, ensuring that your legal documents are handled with care and accuracy. Notarizing a POA is critical in granting someone the authority to legally act on your behalf.

[raismobilenotaryllc]

Everything You Should Know About Notarization

Notarization is a crucial process in verifying the authenticity of legal documents and signatures. It serves as a safeguard to ensure that agreements, affidavits, and other documents are legally valid and enforceable. A mobile notary brings this essential service to your doorstep, providing unparalleled convenience. This eliminates the need for you to travel to a notary’s office, which is especially beneficial for busy professionals or individuals with limited mobility.

Read More: https://www.raismobilenotary.com/everything-you-should-know-about-notarization

[wcsservices]

When you need to use documents internationally, Authentication of Documents is crucial. Our professional services verify the authenticity of your paperwork, ensuring acceptance across borders.

[apostilleser]

Importance of Document Certification in the UK

Being a vital procedure in the UK, the document certification authenticates the original documents to prove their legitimacy. It is a crucial procedure that is required for diverse purposes like legal, financial, and administrative settings to ensure that the documents being presented are genuine and have not been tampered with. It is required when the original cannot be provided, such as for international transactions, visa applications, or applying for a new job.

Who Can Perform the Document Certification?

Document certification is performed by authorised professionals like solicitors, notaries, or other individuals recognised as 'authorised persons.' They verify that the copy is a true and accurate representation of the original by signing, dating, and often stamping the document. One of the most common uses of certified documents is in legal matters, such as proving identity or ownership in court proceedings.

Financial institutions may require certified copies of passports or utility bills for anti-money laundering checks. Similarly, certified documents are frequently needed in property transactions, where they play a crucial role in verifying the identities of buyers and sellers.

Document Certification and Its Importance on Educational Settings

Document certification also plays a key role in educational settings, particularly when applying to universities abroad. Institutions often request certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates to confirm the applicant's qualifications.  It is crucial to safeguard and maintain the integrity of important processes, ensuring that all parties involved can trust the documents being presented.

[simplyforensic]

Unveiling the Forensic Document Examination Profession

The Enigmatic World of Forensic Handwriting and Document Analysis In the intricate realm of forensics, where truth unveils itself through meticulous examination, a specialized discipline emerges – Forensic Handwriting and Document Examination. This field delves into the intricate nuances of questioned documents, unraveling the mysteries that lie within the strokes of a pen or the imprints of a…

[jackramsdalephotography]

The Importance of Artwork Documentation Services in Philadelphia for Artists and Collectors

When it comes to preserving the value and integrity of artwork, proper documentation is essential. Whether you are an artist, gallery owner, or collector, having professional artwork documentation services in Philadelphia can protect your pieces and help maintain their authenticity. These services go beyond simple photography, offering a detailed record that ensures your artwork is accurately represented and properly cataloged.

What Are Artwork Documentation Services?

Artwork documentation services encompass various practices designed to record and preserve important information about artwork. This includes high-quality photographs, detailed descriptions, provenance records, and condition reports. Professional artwork documentation services in Philadelphia are tailored to meet the needs of artists, galleries, collectors, and museums, providing a comprehensive archive of the artwork’s details. The documentation typically includes images that capture the full scope of the piece, including close-up shots of textures, signatures, and any unique characteristics that help establish its authenticity.

For artists, this service is crucial when documenting the progression of their work or ensuring that their creations are fully represented for future exhibitions or sales. Collectors benefit from this service by having a clear, professionally recorded history of the pieces they own, which can enhance their value when the time comes to sell or exhibit.

Preserving Value and Authenticity

One of the most significant benefits of artwork documentation services in Philadelphia is their role in preserving the value and authenticity of artwork. Artwork is an investment, and maintaining an accurate and thorough record ensures that its provenance—its history of ownership—is clear. Proper documentation helps protect against issues like forgery or misattribution, which can diminish the value of a piece.

For collectors, having well-documented records can make a considerable difference when it comes time to sell or auction artwork. Provenance and condition reports are often required by potential buyers or auction houses to confirm the authenticity and value of a piece. Additionally, professional photographs capture the artwork in its best light, which can be crucial when listing pieces for sale, showcasing them in exhibitions, or using them in promotional materials.

Supporting Artists and Galleries

For artists, artwork documentation services in Philadelphia can serve as a critical tool for organizing their portfolio and maintaining a detailed record of their creative output. By documenting each piece, artists create a visual record of their growth and evolution, which can be valuable when applying for grants, residencies, or gallery shows. It also helps to maintain a clear overview of their body of work, which is essential for any future marketing or promotional efforts.

Insurance and Legal Protection

Artwork documentation services in Philadelphia also play a crucial role in the protection of artwork through insurance. When insuring artwork, having a comprehensive record of the piece’s condition, value, and provenance can help in the event of theft, damage, or loss. Insurance companies typically require high-quality photographs, along with detailed condition reports, to determine the appropriate coverage and provide compensation if necessary. With proper documentation, owners have the evidence needed to protect their investment.