FAQ General [updated]
How can I see if my Digital Signature is still valid (it has not expired)?
A Digital Signature used to be valid for 5 years, while for those who acquired it after June 20, 2018, it was limited to 3 years. From December 9, 2019, the validity duration became yearly. On January 17, 2022, APED activated its new platform and all digital signatures issued prior to that day were gradually cancelled until April 30, 2022. The duration of a digital signature is now 3 years.
Our company provides a free technical inspection to inform you about the expiration date of your Digital Signature. In addition, we inform you about the observance of all conditions for proper use (Timestamp, certificates, Hard Storage, etc.).
How is the Installation/Renewal of a Digital Signature performed? Will a technician visit our site?
Our cooperation and the whole process can be carried out either by visiting our offices or remotely. Physical presence, yours or ours, is not necessary. The installation can be performed remotely directly on your computer, via a remote communication/telematics program (eg TEAMVIEWER or ANYDESK).
Do I have to go to a specific KEP (eg in my area) to issue / renew a Digital Signature?
You may visit any KEP that is included in APED’s list. However, make sure that all the necessary procedures have been completed in advance (Issuance of the Ministry of Health via gov.gr and APED application) before proceeding to the Visit to the KEP.
Can a usb token be used on different computers?
A usb token can be used on different Computers, as long as the necessary drivers are installed. Our company, as part of the Technical Support it provides, can install on the above computers, depending on the needs of each user, at no extra charge. It can even be installed on a Laptop.
Which type of USB TOKEN would you recommend me to buy?
There are specific types of USB TOKENs that cover the validity of the Digital Signature, which cannot be used to store files like ordinary usb sticks. The USB TOKEN types supported by APED (Hellenic Public Administration Certification Authority) are the OBERTHUR and GEMALTO/SAFENET types.
Currently, and due to the tightening of the institutional framework, EDDY (Secure Signature Creation Devices) will be covered by the following USB TOKENs: Oberthur/ IDEMIA/ TokenME EVO Cosmo v8.1 R2 and Safenet 5110cc/ Gemalto/ Thales/ TokenME EVO (MD 940) ID Prime MD (MD 940) . Our company can cover you for any need that arises regarding a Digital Signature, supply of a USB TOKEN, installation of certificates and annual Technical Support.
FAQ [Usb Token]
What is the USB TOKEN device?
The USB TOKEN is a special computer stick, where the high assurance certificate (Secure Signature Creation Device - EDDY) is installed. It is necessary for issuing a digital signature. The special usb device (usb stick or usb token) gives the signatory his exclusive control for placing a digital (or advanced electronic) signature, according to article 2 of PD 150/2001.
What is the use of an ADDY?
The advanced electronic signature (digital signature) is based on a recognized certificate and is created using a Secure Signature Creation Mechanism (SCM). A USB token is defined as the micro device (Usb Token) that meets specific requirements and into which the hard storage digital certificates are entered in a secure manner.
Can I also store files on a USB TOKEN device?
The usb device required for a Digital Signature is not a simple storage medium like most usb sticks. It is a special device used only to create a digital signature.
Why are there so many types of USB TOKENs?
There are different types of USB TOKENs, depending on the compatibility with the respective Computer. The technical characteristics of the USB TOKEN should be in line with international standards and regulations, while care should be taken to ensure that it is compatible with the respective Computer, as there are many versions of it.
Which usb tokens are certified by a Public Authority for the use of a digital signature?
The list of Authorities that provide digital signatures and are based in Greece is listed on the website of the Telecommunications and Posts Authority: http://www.eett.gr and are as follows:
-HELLENIC PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION CERTIFICATION AUTHORITY
-ADACOM S.A.
-ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE SA
-BYTE COMPUTER S.A.
-ACADEMIC INTERNET
How is a document signed digitally?
The way one digitally signs a document is quite simple. After a document is created, the USB token is connected to the computer and through a simple process the digital signature is placed at the point of your choice.
Can I buy a second USB TOKEN?
Even if a second USB TOKEN is purchased, it will not be able to work in parallel or in addition to the original one.
Can I avoid buying the USB TOKEN and digitally sign without it?
In order to participate correctly in public tenders, it is particularly important to have a complete installation of the USB TOKEN and the corresponding necessary software programs. An ordinary electronic "signature" or "signature" that simply originates from the user's computer or through other forms of storage (loose-simple-storage) is not acceptable.
What is the time validity (lifetime) of digital certificates?
The duration of the digital signature is currently 3 years.
FAQ General [Digital Signature]
What is a digital signature?
Simply put, a digital signature is the equivalent of a physical signature in the digital world. In other words, just as, for example, a solemn declaration for a public sector agency is signed by an individual, in the same way it is necessary in some cases (e.g. electronic public tenders) to digitally sign the corresponding electronic files (files in .pdf format).
What is the purpose of a digital signature?
A Digital Signature aims to prove the authenticity of an electronic document, as would be the case with the validation of a document in physical form. The use of a Digital Signature verifies that an electronic document was actually created by the author who signs it, without being further altered.
What is required to place a digital signature?
In order to produce a valid digital signature, the use of a valid Recognized Digital Certificate is required in principle, as well as the supply of the appropriate reliable device for Secure Signature Creation Device (EDDY/usb token). Qualified certificates are created and stored securely in it.
How long does it take to be able to digitally sign?
Under normal circumstances the process is completed in less than a week. It is possible to issue it on the same day, as long as it is possible to visit a KEP in time and the digital certificate issuance code is provided by APED.
Where can I get more information?
On the websites found in this link.
I have no computer skills, such as converting documents to .pdf or producing files as requested in a public tender.
The technical support team, in addition to the specialized configuration of the necessary programs and the necessary software for the correct installation of the digital signature, undertakes (at no additional cost) the provision of a comprehensive service in order for each customer to sign digitally, as required by the respective public tender. Therefore, our services are only complete when you can perform the entire process of issuing documents with a digital signature yourself.
Who digitally signs the forms for a public tender?
The procedure concerns the person signing on behalf of the respective company. For example in a sole proprietorship, the owner would need to have a digital signature, because they would sign and validate with their original signature the various Solemn Declarations or Technical Offers for a public tender.
What happens when two people co-sign on behalf of a company?
If, for example, there are two (2) partners in a Limited Liability Company and according to the articles of association, both must sign (co-sign) the Solemn Declarations, the Financial Offer, etc., then two digital signatures will be needed. Consequently, the cost will be double as two (2) USB TOKENS will be required and therefore twice the identical installation process. However, if in a company only one representative can sign the forms representing the company (based on the articles of association), then a digital signature is issued only for them, as it is not required for the others.
What do Qualified Digital Certificates have to do with a Digital Signature?
In the physical world, for a signature to be considered valid, it must have been certified by a public official that it is authentic, that it belongs to the person who signed, and that there is a corroboration between the signatory and some public document, e.g. Identity Card. For example, the validity of a signature on an affidavit can be performed in the physical world with the validation by a KEP employee. Accordingly, in the electronic world for a digital signature to be considered valid, it is necessary to issue Qualified Digital Certificates. Qualified Digital Certificates on the one hand certify the authenticity of the digital signature, and on the other hand identify the user who uses it, just as it would be done by a public official.
How are Qualified Digital Certificates issued?
The issuance of a digital certificate is made upon request of the interested party to a Certification Authority. The most reliable Certification Authority in Greece is APED (Hellenic Public Administration Certification Authority), which is used to issue digital certificates. The Certification Authority confirms the identity of the applicant and issues the certificate.
