Create a self-signed digital ID for Sensitive Documents in Adobe

Create a self-signed digital ID for Sensitive Documents in Adobe

What is a digital ID?

A digital ID is like an electronic driver’s license or passport that proves your identity. A digital ID usually contains your name and email address, the name of the organization that issued it, a serial number, and an expiration date. Digital IDs are used for certificate security and digital signatures.

Digital IDs contain two keys: the public key locks, or encrypts data; the private key unlocks, or decrypts that data. When you sign PDFs, you use the private key to apply your digital signature. The public key is in a certificate that you distribute to others. For example, you can send the certificate to those who want to validate your signature or identity. Store your digital ID in a safe place, because it contains your private key that others can use to decrypt your information

What are self-signed digital ID?

Self-signed digital IDs can be adequate for personal use or small-to-medium businesses. Their use should be limited to parties that have established mutual trust.

What are IDs from certificate authorities?

Most business transactions require a digital ID from a trusted third-party provider, called a certificate authority. Please contact IT Dept. if you require a Trusted ID certification to sign any business documents digitally. 


How  do you create a self-signed digital ID for sensitive documents in Adobe?

Sensitive transactions between businesses generally require an ID from a certificate authority rather than a self-signed one. Reach out to IT dept for more details on how to obtain one that issue by a 3rd party authorized IDs.

 
  1. In Acrobat, click the Edit menu and choose Preferences > Signatures.

  2. On the right, click More for Identities & Trusted Certificates.

  3. Select Digital IDs on the left, and then click the Add ID button .
    Add a new digital ID
  4. Select the option A New Digital ID I Want To Create Now, and click Next.
    Create a new digital ID
  5. Specify where to store the digital ID, and click Next.
New PKCS#12 Digital ID File
Stores the digital ID information in a file, which has the extension .pfx in Windows and .p12 in Mac OS. You can use the files interchangeably between operating systems. If you move a file from one operating system to another, Acrobat still recognizes it.
Windows Certificate Store (Windows only)
Stores the digital ID to a common location from where other Windows applications can also retrieve it.

6. Do the following:
  1. Type a name, email address, and other personal information for your digital ID. When you certify or sign a document, the name appears in the Signatures panel and in the Signature field.
  2. Choose an option from the Key Algorithm menu. The 2048-bit RSA option offers more security than 1024-bit RSA, but 1024-bit RSA is more universally compatible.
  3. From the Use Digital ID For menu , choose whether you want to use the digital ID for signatures, data encryption, or both.
  4. Click Next.
Enter your identity information

7. Do the following:
  1. Type a password for the digital ID file. For each keystroke, the password strength meter evaluates your password and indicates the password strength using color patterns. Reconfirm your password.
  2. The digital ID file is stored at the default location as shown in the File Name field. If you want to save it somewhere else, click Browse and choose the location.
  3. Click Finish.
Provide a password for the ID
If a digital ID file with the same name exists, you're prompted to replace it. Click OK to replace, or browse and select a different location to store the file.

8. The ID is created. You can export and send your certificate file to contacts who can use it to validate your signature.
The ID is created
Note:Make a backup copy of your digital ID file. If your digital ID file is lost or corrupted, or if you forget your password, you cannot use that profile to add signatures.



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