Intensively using of information and communication technologies in constantly increment of its security and Internet brings very strong and effective instruments to citizens, bodies of the state and public administration, industries and other subjects. The results of its influence are significant changes inside of mentioned institutions, in professional qualifications and in labour organization; in relationship between citizen and the state a public administration. These technologies have significant influence in joining new economy. Anyway, initiate targets can be achieved only with accepting of high-level security of information technologies.
Leaders of European fiftieth (EU – 15) determine ambitious target for Europe for another decade to become „the most competitive and dynamic economy in the world” at the European Council meeting that held in Lisbon in 23rd – 24th March 2000. Europe was considered to need to use possibilities of economy and Internet as soon as possible. The Action Plan with name eEurope was declared in 19th – 20th June 2000 as the answer the need.
Ministry’s conference was held in 11th – 12th May 2000 in Warszawa. Countries of the Central and Eastern Europe admitted the strategic target determined by countries of EU – 15 in Lisbon and agreed to accept an invitation that was determined by countries of EU – 15 relating to eEurope plan. They decided to declare the similar Action Plan “Europe – like Action Plan” of associated countries as addendum to political obligations to the European Union with aim to try to decrease a base of countries that want to achieve initiated ambitious target. It was called eEurope +.
eEurope+ reflects preferred targets of the eEurope plan. Specific situation in associated countries was taken into consideration. The main targets of eEurope+ are:
- accelerate reform and modernization of the associated countries economy,
- support a capacity and institutions building,
- improve total competitiveness.
Electronic Signature characteristic
Electronic document was validated to be equivalent with paper document by passing the Act on Electronic Signature and related regulations. Useful conditions were created for practical the electronic signature usage by putting of the Root Certification Authority of the National Security Authority into practice. Analysis of present situation shows that it is the first steps that are necessary for putting of the electronic signature into practice.
Legal form of the electronic signature comes out the Directive EU 1999/93/EC in December 1999. The Act will bring many experiences and conflicts into practice that will be necessary to solve till amendment to the Act on Electronic Signature. Except this, it is obvious that development in this field will bring many changes in philosophy in access to the electronic signature. It will be necessary to observe the continuity of the process of the electronic signature implement and usage. The main target of this process will be to prevent from devalue investments in this field.
Security of the electronic signature is, except others, depended on used means. The legislation establishes conditions for its use even by means of certification. It is obvious that the Slovak Republic, as most of states in the world, does not have and will not be able to create conditions for all means certification. It is not only because of luck of funds but also luck of specialists and methodical base. It relates to certificate trustworthiness; it is closely connected with tradition and image of certification institution.
Accreditation of a certification authority is verification of the trustworthiness and institution security that operates it. Capital expenses for its implement are from 100 till 150 million SKK. The profitability of its activity supposed to record from approx. 300 till 500 thousands certificates. It is obvious that there will not be so many subjects that will be able to provide these services in the Slovak market. It confirms a present development. It is possible to except an infiltration of foreign subjects. It will be connected with solution of many problems in interest of keeping the trustworthiness and certificates usage.
Introduction of electronic devices together with the electronic signature will develop too quickly. Pressures on normalization and standardization in endeavour to secure compatibility of the electronic signature usage to the full extent will be more and more accepted within international cooperative. It will be important to monitor changes in phase of its preparation in endeavour of legislative and technological preparation.
Debit cards, mobile phones and electronic signature have similar character - it is their extension. Banks are leaders of debit cards and telecommunication operators are leaders of mobile phones. The electronic signature does not have a leader. Under the rule of the act, the National Security Authority is body of the state administration that is responsible for the electronic signature. It is necessary to start its direct influence on the state administration together with indirect influence on certification services by means of the requirements of the Act. It appears from this that the main target is the electronic signature implementation in the National Security Authority.
In connection with up mentioned and eEurope+ plan, it is necessary to use an influence of the National Security Authority on the implementing process of the electronic signature in the state administration. Making a suggestion to various programmes, initiative suggestions for electronic signature development and etc, can be very helpful.
Under the rule of act, the control must be done. Activities in the field of the electronic signature were carefully taken into consideration till the passing the Act. The electronic signature is of great importance. Anyway, it demands a creation of an environment with high-level security and trustworthiness. The security control should not have a restriction character (even if it is not always possible to prevent from it). It should be oriented to the electronic signature development and support of its activities – creation of environment based on the electronic documents administration.
As the electronic signature is an element that is related to every sphere of company’s activities, it is necessary to coordinate activities connected with the electronic signature development with activities in the other fields that are related to it.
Characteristic of development intentions
In connection to analysis in the field of the electronic signature, basic development of the electronic signature will be secured by the development in following fields in 2003 – 2007:
- legislation,
- the Root Certification Authority Operation,
- security products certifications for the electronic signature,
- Certification Authorities accreditation,
- standardization and normalization,
- implementation of the Electronic signature according to conditions of the National Security Authority,
- support of the states bodies in the implementation of the Electronic signature,
- control,
- development programmes.