4SIGNER

Remote Identity Verification: How It Works and What You Can Use It For

simona.dravecka — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 13:25:02 +0000

Qualified signature

August 18, 2026

Remote Identity Verification: How It Works and What You Can Use It For

Are you looking for a way to verify your identity online without having to visit a branch office?

Remote identity verification using biometrics is a modern and secure solution that already meets the strictest European standards.

How does remote identity verification work?

Start the process on the website using your mobile phone (via QR code) or on your desktop computer with a webcam.
Take photos of your identity document (national ID card or passport) from both the front and back.
Complete the biometric facial verification with a liveness check.
Once the process is successfully completed, your data is verified, and you can obtain your certificate.

What is liveness check?

It is an advanced security check that verifies a real, live person is in front of the camera—not a photograph, video, or deepfake.

What can you use it for?

Did you know?

Biometric identity verification certified under eIDAS 2 has the same legal validity as in-person identity verification at a branch office and is fully recognized throughout the European Union.

Benefits of remote identity verification

EXPERT TIP

This technology is ideal for people who want to complete everything quickly and without unnecessary paperwork.

Ready to get started? Try vzdialené overenie identity cez biometriu tu, or visit our website at 4SIGNER.

AUTOR OF THE ARTICLE

Miroslav Rechtorík

Continue reading

Remote Identity Verification: How It Works and What You Can Use It For

Detailed overview of remote identity verification via biometrics. How it works, where you can use it, and whether it is as trustworthy as an in-person visit.

Get a Qualified Electronic Signature Certificate Without an In-Person Visit or an Existing Signature – Is It Possible?

Yes, it is! Find out how to obtain the highest level of qualified electronic signature completely online using biometric identity verification, available now.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about electronic signature

Although the use of electronic signature is on the rise, it is still associated with a lot of confusion for ordinary people.

Comprehensive Signing Solution for BVS

simona.dravecka — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 10:20:29 +0000

REFERENCES

August 18, 2026

Comprehensive Signing Solution for BVS

COMPANY

Bratislavská vodárenská spoločnosť a.s.

PROJECT DURATION

8 months

IMPLEMENTED SYSTEM

Custom Software with Electronic Signing

INDUSTRY

Water Utility

CLIENT

Bratislavská vodárenská spoločnosť

Bratislavská vodárenská spoločnosť, a.s. (BVS) is among the largest drinking water suppliers in Slovakia. It provides drinking water production and distribution, as well as wastewater treatment, for over 800,000 residents in Bratislava and surrounding regions. As a modern public utility company, BVS long-term focuses on improving service quality, efficient document management, and digitizing internal processes to deliver faster and more transparent communication to its customers.

CHALLENGE & GOALS

What We Solved

Before implementing the solution, BVS faced lengthy processes and high paper consumption, which burdened not only the process itself, but also the environment. Every customer journey — from application to contract — required printing, hand signatures, and manual document processing.

The goal of the project was to reduce paper administration, speed up application processing at contact centers, and allow customers to handle services 100% online.

OUR SOLUTION

How It Works

To meet all customer expectations, we created custom software enhanced with electronic signing. Currently, BVS customers can sign forms, applications, and contracts in two ways:

Online from the comfort of home without having to print, physically sign, scan, or mail documents. The client simply selects the required document, signs it electronically on their device, and sends it with a single click.

At the BVS contact center, where the client is ready to sign the document quickly and paperlessly on a signature tablet, allowing the contact center employee to access it immediately on their device for further processing.

The customer solution was assembled from several components:

Custom Software – Provides online access to forms, applications, and contracts, enabling easy completion, which reduces administrative burden and speeds up the entire process.
Electronic Signing – Implemented directly into the customer infrastructure, allowing company staff and customers to sign documents instantly and securely.
Signature Tablets – Provided a quick and easy way to sign documents on-site without paper and printing at physical branches.

RESULTS

Benefits for the Customer

Process Automation

Internal procedures were simplified and digitized, reducing administrative burden for employees.

Reduced Turnaround Time

Applications and contracts are processed immediately after signing, eliminating unnecessary delays.

Lower Environmental Impact

The paperless solution contributes to sustainability and saves thousands of sheets of paper annually.

Online Availability

Clients can sign and submit documents conveniently from the comfort of home.

Electronic Signing

A secure and verifiable signature replaces the need for printing, scanning, or physical delivery.

Improved Customer Experience

Clients appreciate faster, simpler, and transparent service handling.

COMPLEXITY

Project Complexity

3 /6

SIZE

3 /6

TIME

3 /6

COST

3 /6

COMPLEXITY

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

What the Client Says

“Communication with BRAIN:IT was very professional. The entire implementation process at BVS went according to schedule, and the whole project turned out very well from our perspective.”

– Jakub Dušička, Project and Relationship Manager v BVS

Interested in a similar solution?

We would be happy to build a custom system tailored to your needs — from design to implementation.

Client zone for Tatra Leasing

simona.dravecka — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 09:22:42 +0000

REFERENCE

August 18, 2026

Client zone for Tatra Leasing

COMPANY

Tatra Leasing, s.r.o.

PROJECT DURATION

12 months

IMPLEMENTED SYSTEM

Client Zone with Electronic Signature

INDUSTRY

Financial Leasing

CLIENT

Tatra Leasing

Tatra Leasing is a subsidiary of Tatra banka, with over 30 years of experience in the leasing market. It provides a broad portfolio of products ranging from various types of leasing to installment loans. Tatra Leasing strives to offer its clients universal, stable, and comprehensive services tailored to their individual needs.

CHALLENGE & GOALS

What We Solved

Tatra Leasing came up with a vision to enable clients to sign contracts online from the comfort of their homes without having to visit a branch. Based on this draft and specific requirements, we created a comprehensive client portal that provides maximum convenience, high legal certainty thanks to fully integrated electronic signatures, and seamless functionality. The result is a platform where clients don’t need to go anywhere — everything is handled online.

The biggest challenge of the project was integration with existing systems and compliance with strict security standards, including legislative alignment with the European eIDAS 2.0 regulation, as well as integration into Tatra banka’s hybrid infrastructure.

What does the client portal include?

Application creation
Document management
Personalized offers
Operator communication
Notification center for efficient information distribution

OUR SOLUTION

How It Works

In response to growing client expectations and the need for digitization, we designed and successfully implemented a modern online client portal for Tatra Leasing — a single space where customers have everything important just a few clicks away.

Contracts, applications, documents, and messages — everything clearly organized and accessible 24/7 from any device.

A key component of the solution is a fully digitalized contract workflow, allowing clients to sign contracts quickly, conveniently, and securely — without needing to visit a physical branch.

Technologically, we integrated the client portal into Tatra banka’s hybrid infrastructure. The client zone enables clients to conclude contracts that are automatically archived in the bank’s document system upon completion, using qualified electronic seals for long-term retention to ensure long-term validity and trustworthiness.

The client portal also features a notification center for personalized communications, including instant email or in-app alerts.

The result is a modern digital environment that saves time, money, and human resources.

RESULTS

Benefits for the Customer

Relieving Branches and Staff

Reduces the need for in-person meetings at branches.

Integration with Tatra Leasing Systems

Easy scalability and extension of the solution.

No Need for Specialized Hardware

No signature pads or USB/NFC chip readers required.

Cost Savings

Significantly reduced paper, printing, and administrative costs.

Marketing Tool

Enables targeted and personalized product and service offers directly to clients.

Time Savings

Rapid signing without travel, instant document archiving without manual scanning.

COMPLEXITY

Project Complexity

4 /6

SIZE

4 /6

TIME

4 /6

COST

4 /6

COMPLEXITY

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

What the Client Says

“The result of the new client zone is an improved user experience for our clients and simplified processes within our company.”

– Zuzana Mišovičová Hámorošová, Senior Product Manager TL

Interested in a similar solution?

We would be happy to build a custom system tailored to your needs — from design to implementation.

Paperless healthcare at MEDANTE

simona.dravecka — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 10:05:34 +0000

REFERENCE

August 17, 2026

Paperless healthcare at MEDANTE

COMPANY

Polyclinic MEDANTE

PROJECT DURATION

3 months

IMPLEMENTED SYSTEM

Digital contract signing

SECTOR

Healthcare

CLIENT

Polyclinic MEDANTE

Polyclinic of the 21st century MEDANTE is a specialized care center providing more than 30 top-equipped outpatient clinics. It represents stylish, but above all technically and above-standard equipped premises.

One of the polyclinic’s goals is to give patients a sense of comfortable and worry-free approach thanks to modern equipment with advanced processes. That is why the clinic strives to follow technology trends and leverage the benefits of the digital era.

CHALLENGE & GOALS

What we solved

To continuously increase the level of services provided, the polyclinic decided to introduce electronic signing for patients into its offering.

MEDANTE daily processes a large volume of documents. For the polyclinic, as well as for the patients themselves, it is time-consuming to handle the transfer of medical documentation in case of a doctor change — which additionally increases costs in time and finance.

The goal of introducing electronic signing was not only process efficiency, but also cost reduction and improving service dynamics.

At the same time, giving patients the feeling that their time is 100% utilized to find the most suitable method of medical treatment and care.

OUR SOLUTION

How it works

As a modern holistic medicine polyclinic, we provided MEDANTE with a digital advantage in the form of electronic signing. This was implemented into the clinic’s existing system, allowing patients who use MEDANTE services and come into contact with a large volume of documents to benefit from it today.

A solution was implemented into the document workflow process that ensures staff and patients can work with documents in electronic form.

A digital signature was chosen for the polyclinic’s needs, perfectly meeting the expectations and requirements of Polyclinic MEDANTE.

Our team used the 4SIGNER SaaS API FileGatewayService, which gives staff the ability to generate a message containing the contract required for signature. This means that after implementing the solution, new and existing patients can sign contracts with the polyclinic remotely, i.e., electronically at home via their own device.

In practice, the use of digital signature works such that when a contract needs to be signed, the patient receives an email link redirecting them to our 4SIGNER zone. After loading the document, they can electronically sign the contract with the polyclinic, and thus the signed contract is immediately available to both the staff and doctors of the polyclinic. Patients sign contracts quickly, comfortably, and securely — without needing a personal visit to the branch.

RESULTS

Benefits
for the customer

Process efficiency

Electronic signing eliminated the need for manual administration and accelerated document processing.

Increased polyclinic efficiency

Thanks to automation, employees can spend more time on patients instead of administrative tasks.

Cost reduction

Document digitization reduced printing, archiving, and physical delivery expenses for contracts.

COMPLEXITY

Project Complexity

5 /6

SIZE

3 /6

TIME

4 /6

COST

3 /6

COMPLEXITY

CUSTOMER FEEDBACK

What the customer says

„Our reception team praise this method because it saved them a huge amount of work. Likewise, our customers no longer have to wait in line to sign documents.„

– Michal Andrejco, CEO | Founder Medante

Interested in a similar solution?

We will gladly help you create a system tailored to your needs — from design to implementation.

Get a Qualified Electronic Signature Certificate Without an In-Person Visit or an Existing Signature – Is It Possible?

simona.dravecka — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 08:00:08 +0000

Qualified signature

July 9, 2026

Get a Qualified Electronic Signature Certificate Without an In-Person Visit or an Existing Signature – Is It Possible?

Do you need a qualified electronic signature but don’t have the time (or the opportunity) to visit a branch office, and you don’t already have another electronic signature?

Good news – that’s no longer a problem.

Thanks to biometric identity verification, you can obtain your qualified electronic signature certificate completely from home.

How does remote issuance of a qualified electronic signature certificate work?

Thanks to biometric identity verification, you can now obtain the highest level of electronic signature directly from your home or office. The entire process is simple, fast, and designed so everyone can handle it.

What is a Qualified Electronic Signature (QES)?

It is the highest level of electronic signature and has the same legal effect as a handwritten signature.
It is suitable for signing contracts, submitting documents to public authorities, filing tax returns, and signing important business documents.

The entire process consists of the following steps:

Start the identity verification on the website (either by scanning a QR code with your mobile phone or directly in your browser using your webcam).
Take photos of the front and back of your national ID card or passport. The system automatically extracts the data and verifies the validity of the document.
Complete the biometric facial verification (liveness check), which confirms that you are a real person and prevents the use of deepfakes or fake photographs.
Once the verification is successfully completed, your data is matched with your application, and your qualified certificate is issued remotely.

Benefits for new users

No need to travel to a branch office.
No existing qualified electronic signature is required to sign the application.
Complete everything in just a few minutes from your mobile phone or computer.
Available 24/7 – even in the evening, on weekends, or while you’re on vacation.
Your certificate has full legal recognition throughout the European Union (eIDAS 2).
No card reader or QES on ID card required

Ready to get started? Try remote identity verification using biometrics here, or visit our website at 4SIGNER.com.

AUTOR ČLÁNKU

Miroslav Rechtorík

Čítajte ďalej

The electronic age – What can be done electronically?

Have you heard of the electronic ID card (eID)? We firmly believe that you also own one. Everyone who has acquired an ID card since 2021 has also acquired the possibility of an electronic signature.

Electronic mailbox – what you should know

A safe, secure and digital replacement for the traditional mailbox is the electronic mailbox. It makes official correspondence available online, increasing efficiency and security. Legally recognised and accepted in the EU.

Signing documents with an ID card

Qualified electronic signatures and document authentication legally recognised across the EU. Quick and easy with your ID card.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about electronic signature

simona.dravecka — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 09:00:37 +0000

Electronic signature

November 20, 2023

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about electronic signature

Although the use of electronic signature is on the rise, it is still associated with a lot of confusion for ordinary people. The relatively complex definitions in European legislation do not contribute to this either. Therefore, we have prepared for you answers to the questions that occur most often in connection with electronic signatures.

#1 What is an electronic signature and what are its levels?

In relation to European legislation, electronic signature is a legal concept that has different levels. They differ from each other primarily in the legal certainty they provide.

1. Simple electronic signature

A simple electronic signature (SES) refers to data in electronic form that is connected or logically associated with other data in electronic form and that the signer uses for signing.

This type of signature is used to identify the signing natural person (guarantees that the document was signed by a specific person at a specific time). A simple electronic signature does not have a qualified status and its legal certainty depends on the quality of its execution. It is used in internal company processes or for signing documents of lower importance (for example, it can be a signature in an e-mail, a signature scan, a digital signature, etc.). It is suitable for transactions worth tens to hundreds of euros.

2. Advanced electronic signature

An advanced electronic signature (AdES) is an electronic signature that meets the requirements set out in Article 26 of the eIDAS Regulation (it is uniquely linked to the signer, enables the identity of the signer to be determined, is created using data for electronic signature generation that the signatory may use under their exclusive control with a high level of confidence. It is also linked to the data it signs, so that any subsequent changes to the data can be detected).

This type of signature is used, for example, when signing business contracts, insurance contracts, leasing contracts, etc. However, it is not suitable for communication with state authorities, where the use of a qualified electronic signature is required.

We recognize two types of advanced electronic signatures:

advanced electronic signature without qualified status – suitable for financial transactions worth thousands of euros,
advanced electronic signature with qualified status – suitable for transactions worth tens to hundreds of thousands of euros.

3. Qualified electronic signature

A qualified electronic signature (QES) is an advanced electronic signature created using a qualified device for creating an electronic signature and based on a qualified certificate for electronic signatures and is considered the equivalent of a handwritten signature.

A qualified electronic signature with a qualified timestamp is at the level of a notarized signature and cannot be rejected as evidence in court. It is used not only in B2B and B2C relationships, but also in communication with public authorities (commercial or trade registry services, communication with financial administration, courts, etc.). It is suitable for transactions without a value limit.

#2 What legislation regulates the electronic signature?

The legal framework for the European signature is defined at the regional level and is perceived with partial differences in individual jurisdictions.

European Union (EU) legislation

Within the EU, the electronic signature is governed by Regulation of the European Union no. 910/2014 on electronic identification and trusted services for electronic transactions in the internal European market (known by the abbreviation eIDAS), which created standards for electronic signatures, qualified digital certificates, electronic seals, electronic time stamps and other types of authentication mechanisms.

This regulation ensures legal binding and mutual recognition within all countries of the European Union. The regulation is transposed to Slovak conditions through Act No. 272/2016 Coll. on trusted services for electronic transactions in the internal market (hereinafter referred to as the Trust Services Act).

United Kingdom (UK) legislation

The eIDAS regulation is also included in the legislation of the United Kingdom, but with slight modifications resulting from the country’s withdrawal from the European Union. The UK eIDAS legislation retains many aspects of the EU regulation but is also adapted for use in the UK.

UK eIDAS sets out the rules for UK trust services and creates the legal framework for the provision and effectiveness of electronic signatures, electronic seals, electronic timestamps, electronic documents, electronic registered delivery services and website verification certification services.

United States (USA) legislation

Electronic signature in the US is regulated by two laws:

ESIGN (Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act) – a federal law that regulates the use of electronic signatures in all states of the United States of America
UETA (Uniform Electronic Transactions Act) – the law on uniform electronic transactions, which is recognized by all US states except New York and Illinois

#3 Is a scanned signature considered a form of electronic signature?

A scan of a handwritten signature is an example of a simple electronic signature. Such a signature has a low degree of security, minimal or negligible legal certainty, and the law does not specify how it should look.

If in specific cases the law does not mandate the use of a handwritten physical signature, notarized signature or QES, it is possible to use any form of electronic signature – that is, even a simple electronic signature, which is commonly used, for example, when issuing invoices.

Our tip:

As a simple electronic signature, we recommend using a digital signature through the 4SIGNER platform, with which we can ensure the authenticity, integrity and non-repudiation of the document for free.

#4 What is a qualified electronic signature (QES)?

A qualified electronic signature (QES) represents information logically connected to an electronic document, which, subject to the fulfillment of the conditions defined in Act no. 272/2016 Coll. on trusted services and Regulation (EU) no. 910/2014 (eIDAS) makes it possible to reliably and unequivocally verify the identity of the signed subject and demonstrate the immutability of signed documents at the time of their signing if a qualified timestamp was also used. It is therefore equivalent to a notarized signature, and the signed subject cannot claim that he did not make the signature.

QES can only be issued by a certification authority – a company that is a provider of trusted services and is registered in the trusted list of providers.

Certification authority Brain:IT covers the 4SIGNER platform, which enables the use of all types of electronic signatures according to eIDAS.

Elektronic signature

In terms of level, it is an advanced electronic signature with a qualified status, which is placed on a qualified device (so-called QSCD device). This can be a card, a valid ID or a qualified server in the case of remote signing. The mentioned signatures require different approaches when verifying a person – for an advanced electronic signature with a qualified status, a video call is sufficient, for a qualified electronic signature, a personal meeting or the use of another QES is required.

A qualified electronic signature replaces a handwritten personal signature and provides the highest security and legal force of a handwritten signature. Therefore, it is used when signing various contracts, such as an insurance contract, an employment contract, a confidentiality agreement, and the like.

#5 What is a guaranteed electronic signature?

Guaranteed electronic signature (GES) is a term that was used in Slovakia in the past. Sometimes there is a false claim that GES and QES are equivalent, but this is not the case.

Guaranteed electronic signature (GES) is an old format, or an old type of signature that was used in Slovakia before the implementation of the European eIDAS regulation. After the adoption of the European regulation eIDAS, terms and definitions related to electronic signatures were harmonized.

In the new legislation, only the term qualified electronic signature (QES) is used. Since the adoption of the eIDAS legislation, GES has been considered an advanced electronic signature and is not a qualified electronic signature. Nowadays, GES is no longer issued and is only used within the framework of the sustainability of old signed documents.

#6 What is a qualified timestamp for?

The eIDAS regulation defines an electronic timestamp as data in electronic form that binds other data in electronic form to a specific time, thereby forming evidence of the existence of this other data at a given time. A qualified electronic timestamp is defined as follows:

It associates the date and time with the data in a way that reasonably prevents the possibility of undetectable data change,
It is based on an accurate time source linked to coordinated world time and
It is signed with an advanced electronic signature or sealed with an advanced electronic seal of a qualified trusted service provider or an equivalent method.

A qualified electronic timestamp is therefore used for a qualified time verification of a document. Adding a timestamp to a document ensures that the document is verified at the time it was added. This time data is legally verified and undeniable, therefore the timestamp prevents falsification of the time of signing the document.

#7 Is an electronic signature legally equivalent to a handwritten signature?

Slovak legislation accepts only a qualified electronic signature (QES) as the equivalent of a handwritten signature for communication with the state. For communication within the European Union, an advanced electronic signature can also be considered the equivalent of a handwritten signature.

#8 Is a qualified electronic signature created by an ID card also valid in countries other than Slovakia?

Yes, the eIDAS regulation guarantees the recognition of the QES of one member state within the entire European Union. Switzerland also recognizes qualified electronic signatures. In international relations, an advanced electronic signature with a qualified status is also commonly recognized.

#9 How to electronically sign a document?

The electronic document can be signed through the 4SIGNER website. This platform allows you to create:

simple electronic signature – digital signature: the lowest level of electronic signature, which enables the electronic signature of a pdf document, while guaranteeing its authenticity and inviolability at the time of signing,
advanced electronic signature without qualified status – electronic signature: a basic level of authentication that allows identification of the physical person who created the electronic signature (use for personal documents, signing contractual documents, signing requests),
advanced electronic signature with qualified status – advanced electronic signature: an advanced electronic signature providing a higher level of authentication, trustworthiness and unequivocal proof of signature by the relevant person that requires a certificate for electronic signature (use for legal contracts and agreements, financial transactions, business correspondence, international transactions );
qualified electronic signature – enables the natural person who created it to be reliably and unequivocally identified and completely replaces the written form of a handwritten signature (use for legal acts, communication with the state and public authorities, and communication in the private sector):
in the form of a remote signature, without the need to connect anything to the computer,
on an ID card or any QSCD card.

All certificates can be obtained conveniently at 4SIGNER platform

#10 What is a BOK code and how to get it?

BOK is an abbreviation for security personal code. It is a 6-digit code that confirms the identity of the holder of the electronic identification card (ID card with a chip) when communicating electronically with public administration bodies, other natural persons or legal entities.

The BOK code is chosen by the holder of the electronic identity card when applying for its issuance, or through the relevant application equipment. During the period of validity of the identity card, the holder can change it.

If, during electronic communication, the holder enters the BOK code incorrectly 5 times in a row, electronic communication is blocked. Unblocking is performed upon request by the documents department of the SR Police Force, which also performs requests in case of loss or forgetting of the BOK code.

#11 What are QES PIN and QES PUK for?

QES PIN is a 6-digit code used to create a qualified electronic signature. It is a means of two-factor authentication that serves as security protection against the creation of a qualified electronic signature by an unauthorized person. After the third incorrectly entered code, the possibility of creating a QES is blocked.

QES PUK is an 8-digit code that is used for unblocking if the holder of the electronic identification card entered the PIN code incorrectly three times in a row. QES PUK is blocked after ten incorrectly entered values.

#12 Is the electronic signature valid even after printing the electronic document?

An electronic signature is only valid in a digital environment. If the document is signed with an electronic signature, after it is printed, the signature is not on it.

Therefore, notaries and lawyers perform the so-called guaranteed document conversion. This ensures that a new document is created from the original document, which, however, has the same legal effects and guarantees that the original document has not been changed during conversion.

Guaranteed conversion allows:

transfer of a document from a paper form to an electronic one,
transfer of a document from electronic to paper form,
converting a document from an electronic form to an electronic one (e.g. changing the document format).

#13 What are the purposes of the electronic seal?

The eIDAS Regulation defines an electronic seal as data in electronic form that is attached or logically associated with other data in electronic form in order to ensure the origin and integrity of this associated data. The electronic seal works on the same principle as an electronic signature, however, unlike the e-signature for natural persons, it is intended for legal entities and public administration entities.

The electronic seal is thus the equivalent of an electronic signature, with the help of which it is possible to identify a legal entity with the information associated with an electronic document when it is signed online by a legal entity. It represents a basic level of authentication of a legal entity, but it does not guarantee legal certainty and may not always provide strong proof of the signer’s identity. To sign electronic documents on behalf of a legal entity, a certificate for an electronic seal issued by a certification authority is required. The issuer of such certificates for an electronic seal is a certification authority, that is, a company that charges customers fees for providing these services.

#14 How can an electronic signature be validated?

For information purposes, it is possible to verify the electronic signature in the Adobe Reader application, specifically in the “Signature Panel” section. It is also possible to verify a graphic signature in Adobe Reader – information about its validity is displayed after clicking on the signature.

A more reliable way is to use the 4SIGNER platform for document verification. Such document validation verifies the existence of the signature, the certification of the signer and the integrity of the document itself.

#15 What does the term electronic identity mean?

The term electronic identity is used in relation to communication with the state. Law no. 305/2013 Coll. on the electronic form of the exercise of the powers of public authorities and on the amendment and supplementation of certain laws (the e-Government Act) defines the electronic identity of a person as a set of attributes that can be recorded in electronic form and that clearly distinguish one person from another, especially for the purpose of accessing information system or for electronic communication purposes. A person’s electronic identity is declared by person identification and verified by person authentication.

AUTOR OF THE ARTICLE

Miroslav Rechtorík

Continue reading

Cyber Security

Cyber security experts often point out that passwords consisting of numbers and letters are very vulnerable.

Do you know if your company’s information is safe?

Company’s information has become the new oil, the new currency caused by the changing political and social environment.

The electronic age – What can be done electronically?

simona.dravecka — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 09:00:24 +0000

Communication with the state

November 6, 2023

The electronic age – What can be done electronically?

Have you heard of the electronic ID card (eID)? We firmly believe that you also own one. Everyone who has acquired an ID card since 2021 has also acquired the possibility of an electronic signature. At the same time, anyone who owns an eID can activate access to an electronic mailbox on the www.slovensko.sk portal, where you can handle communication with the state from the comfort of your home. For individuals, it is possible to sign documents using their e-signature, which cannot be forged. For sole traders (self-employed persons) it is still optional to activate the electronic mailbox , but they are obliged to communicate with the tax administration electronically (e.g. filing a tax return) and they are also not obliged to use an electronic signature, a physical one is sufficient. The obligation for legal entities and companies to have an e-mailbox is in full force and effect. Inherently associated with legal entities is the electronic seal, used to authenticate and verify the origin of electronic documents.

This is all that today’s modern, electronic age offers us. It is regulated by law under the European Union’s Trust Services Act.

What does eIDAS mean?

eIDAS is a European Regulation on electronic identification and trust services for electronic transactions in the internal market and about repealing Directive 1999/93/ES. The aim of eIDAS is to harmonise the requirements for the mutual recognition of electronic identification across EU Member States.

The main objectives of eIDAS are:

To facilitate the transfer of electronic trust services between EU Member States.
To strengthen trust in electronic transactions and communication.
To ensure equal use of electronic identifications across the EU.
To promote electronic identification and authentication to simplify processes and transactions in the digital environment.

Did you know?

Thanks to eIDAS, it is possible to use electronic means of identification (e.g. electronic ID cards or signature certificates) from one EU country in other member states. In this way, eIDAS supports the European Digital Single Market and facilitates electronic interaction between citizens, businesses and public authorities across the EU.

How will I use eID in practice?

The gateway to the electronic world for the citizens of the Slovak Republic is the website www.slovensko.sk. This site serves as the central portal of public administration. eID can be used everywhere since 2013, for example, when dealing with:

Change of permanent residence – thanks to the eID, you do not have to visit the Police Department in your district town to get a new ID card, but you do have to pick it up in person.
Social assistance – from the comfort of your home you can arrange a change of place of payment of social benefits, a parking card for a disabled person, parental allowance, material need allowance, personal assistance, etc.
Access to the electronic mailbox and other electronic services on the central portal of public administration can be found here.

What do BOK and electronic communication have in common?

For the electronic communication you need to have active eID. You also need a smart card reader, adequate software, a currently valid certificate and a personal security code (BOK). This confirms the identity of the eID holder in e-communications with public authorities and also with legal entities or even individuals. The BOK is simply the code or password to your ID card . It protects the ID card and its discrete data. You can enter an incorrect code up to 5 times, once this limit is exceeded, only the local police branch can unblock your access.

Electronic signature options

Nowadays, you can replace physical signing of documents with the option of a single, electronic signature using an eID. In short, an electronic signature, also known as an e-signature, is a modern encryption technique that is used to verify the authenticity, integrity and irrevocability of signatures on electronic documents. This electronic record serves to ensure that the document has not been altered since it was signed and that it comes directly from the author. The electronic signature is unique for each document and ensures its immutability. It is governed by the EU eIDAS Regulation and their applicable standards for electronic signatures. There are four levels of signatures, one of which is obsolete and no longer in use.

Simple electronic signature (SES): is based on the electronic data associated with a document and used to verify the identity of the person who signed the document. Although it is really simple, it has legal effects. A simple electronic signature applies to natural persons, to Ltd or to others. A simple electronic signature is for everyone.
Advanced electronic signature (AES): provides a higher level of security compared to a simple signature. It uses special certificates that provide stronger authentication of the signer and guarantee the irrevocability of the signature.
Qualified Electronic Signature (QES): is the highest level of electronic signature under eIDAS. Qualified certificates issued by trusted e-signature service providers are used for its creation. A qualified signature has the same legal meaning and value as a notarised signature.
Guaranteed electronic signature: is no longer used in electronic communication and has been replaced by the QES. Guaranteed electronic signature served as the equivalent of a traditional paper signature that you would otherwise use at a notary public, registry office, or when dealing with a clerk at an office.

How to make an electronic signature?

There is a handy guide at www.slovensko.sk on how you can make an electronic signature and how to use it correctly when signing documents, for example PDFs. The exact procedure and instructions on how to make an electronic signature can be found at the link here. For more information on e-signing, please visit 4SIGNER.

Electronic mailbox options

The mailbox provided by the State is a qualified electronic mailbox. Such electronic mailbox is a secure and private mailbox for receiving, sending and storing electronic messages and documents. It is an online tool that serves to simplify, speed up and secure communication. In many countries, including the Slovak Republic, the electronic mailbox is a tool for communication with public institutions and authorities. Each person, company or organisation is assigned its own unique identification data for accessing its electronic mailbox. For natural persons as well as for small tradesmen, there is no obligation to have an electronic mailbox, although it is recommended. For legal entities, the e-mailbox is mandatory. A qualified electronic mailbox is used for communication with the State.

Electronic mailbox for directors Ltd

For legal entities, the obligation of an electronic mailbox arises due to electronic communication with public administration authorities. The obligation arises in the following points:

In this case, it is possible to authorise another person or company to handle and manage your electronic mailbox. On the slovensko.sk portal, the process is very long and complicated, so you should use your own eID to set up the electronic mailbox and dispose with it.

An electronic seal, also known as an e-seal, is a digital identification tool that verifies the authenticity and origin of signatures on electronic documents and messages. Like an electronic signature, an e-seal serves to ensure the integrity of the signature of documents and their irrevocability. The main difference between an electronic signature and an electronic seal is in who uses them. An electronic signature is individual and linked to the person signing the document, which allows the identity of the person signing to be verified. An electronic seal, on the other hand, is collective and associated with a legal person, organisation or institution. An electronic seal is used by organisations to officially validate and authenticate documents, thus giving the documents a legal basis while guaranteeing their integrity and authenticity. Like electronic signatures, electronic seals are regulated within the EU by the eIDAS Regulation, which sets out specifics for their use and recognition in a cross-border context. This ensures the trust and legal validity of electronic documents within the EU.

What do they have in common and what are the differences between an electronic signature, a seal and a mailbox?

In the article we have discussed in detail, what the concept of electronic signature, seal and mailbox means. They are all cryptographic tools that can be used by a natural person, a sole trader, a company director or a legal entity.

The electronic signature is at the level of a paper signature and may be used by natural persons and entrepreneurs. What does it have in common with an electronic seal? An electronic seal for legal entities must be purchased. Some institutions use an electronic seal automatically. The Civil Code for the territory of the Slovak Republic makes no distinction between documents that bear an electronic signature or an electronic seal. In the eyes of civil law, they have the same effect. The submission of a document that is signed with an e-seal can be confirmed, in accordance with the eIDAS Regulation, that the electronic document has not been altered or modified in any way after the e-seal has been affixed and that it originates from the person who authorised the document. For e-seals, it is clear that a natural person cannot dispose of it. However, the rules of correct use and, in particular, being prudent also apply to legal entities. Seals have a specific purpose, just like signatures, so it is not advisable to confuse them and it is recommended to use them exactly for the purpose for which they are intended.

Additional questions and answers

For additional information on electronic seal and signature, please visit the Electronic Signature and Electronic Seal sections on portal 4SIGNER.

In addition to basic information, you will learn about the different enterprise solutions, what the additional benefits are and what services we can provide if you are unsure or want to put yourself in the hands of top experts. In addition, you can find interesting articles about information technology and cybersecurity on the portal. If you have any other questions, there is a contact form on this link where you can let us know and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

AUTOR OF THE ARTICLE

Miroslav Rechtorík

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Electronic mailbox – what you should know

simona.dravecka — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 08:00:03 +0000

Electronic signature

October 17, 2023

Electronic mailbox – what you should know

The electronic mailbox is intended for electronic communication of citizens and companies of the Slovak Republic. What do we mean by electronic communication? It is the delivery of electronic documents to the e-box and the sending of electronic submissions. You no longer have to constantly check whether the delivery notification with the opening hours of your local post office was deliver to your mailbox. This electronic mailbox fully replaces the delivery of paper documents, but you still can deliver them in a traditional way or as a registered letter.

Electronic mailbox – why use it?

An electronic mailbox is not as mailbox which overflows with letters and envelopes. The growth of the electronic mailbox in modern society brings greater efficiency and speed of communication, or simplification of work with data, messages and documents . The slow but sure demise of the paper form of communication can be difficult, especially for the older generations, and it is hard to get used to, but the constant evolution is bringing simplification and greater efficiency and speed of tasks to the world. Time and efficiency therefore play in favour of electronic mailboxes. We are moving from plain, white, ink-written paper in the electronic age to the world of electronic mail and mailboxes with unlimited access, one hundred percent privacy and security. In addition, it offers simplification and convenience – you don’t have to go anywhere, you don’t have to write anything down, you can access your electronic mailbox from anywhere. Of course, only where you have a laptop, tablet or mobile phone and an internet connection. Another integral aspect is your ID card with chip (eID) , or an alternative authenticator.

In addition to being essentially a full replacement for a physical mailbox, the electronic mailbox has additional uses. One of them is to speed up the process of communication between state institutions and individuals, legal entities and, of course, tradesmen. The state is obliged to communicate with you electronically since the 1^st of July 2017, and all state bodies currently send documents to the electronic mailbox. Exceptions are authorities that use their own portals for communication and delivery to the electronic mailbox. Access to electronic mailboxes, their functions and possibilities of use may vary slightly. For companies and legal entities, setting up an electronic mailbox is mandatory, as is regularly checking and handling it. It is possible to use the electronic mailbox directly on the public administration portal – e.g. www.slovensko.sk. If you are a legal entity, the state has automatically set up an electronic mailbox for you for the delivery of messages and documents since the 1^st of July 2017.

In brief: electronic mailbox is a simple way for businesses, organisations and citizens to communicate effectively with public authorities. The mailboxes are owned by the state and are intended to make communication between the citizen and the state more efficient and easier. Nobody has to rush to the post office, everything can be done with the help of a chip ID card, which is issued automatically nowadays. However, the citizen must individually arrange his or her electronic signature when receiving the new ID card. Electronic decisions are delivered to the activated electronic mailbox with the same legal effect as if you had received a postal summons into your own hands.

How do I set up and access my e-wallet?

Setting up your own electronic mailbox is simple and intuitive. After the age of 18, a citizen must apply for the establishment of an electronic mailbox, companies and legal entities have their mailboxes established on an ongoing basis according to the relevant registers (e.g. the Business Register). A citizen of the Slovak Republic does not have his/her own mailbox established for delivery automatically, if he/she is a natural person. The citizen must individually request the activation of the electronic mailbox. In short – in his/her mailbox he/she has a top button Activate mailbox. After this activation, the mailbox is functional immediately. After activation, the public authority can already deliver electronic official decisions to you, but if you do not have an activated mailbox, the authority is obliged to deliver documents to you by paper. Self-employed – natural persons are obliged to communicate with the financial administration via the electronic mailbox.

In the territory of the Slovak Republic, access to the electronic mailbox is mediated by the slovensko.sk portal. Access to the personal electronic mailbox using the portal is via an electronic ID card with a chip. This must then be inserted into a card reader, which provides a connection to a computer or connects to the mobile application Slovensko (generates private tokens). The procedure is very simple and the portal and the design of the electronic mailbox is intuitive, retaining its uncomplicated appearance of a common email inbox that we all use (e.g. Gmail.com, azet.sk, seznam.sk….). The slovensko.sk website also has a mobile application, which makes access to the electronic mailbox easier and more compact.

When a message is received in your mailbox, allows you to receive a notification to your email address or directly to your phone number. However, this notification cannot contain directly the data of the received message. You will only receive a short notification that something has arrived. Just like it used to be standard at the post office with a delivery notification in paper form.

Since the 1^st of June 2020 it is obligatory to activate electronic mailboxes used for delivery automatically by the law on e-government of legal entities that are not registered in the Business Register of the Slovak Republic (foundations, civil associations, non-investment funds, employers’ organizations, etc..).

Safety features – basic information

There are many security features that need to be met for access, which is why more and more companies are outsourcing the management of their electronic mailbox through other companies that offer such solutions. The use of external services offers significant time savings and simplified access to the contents of the electronic mailbox. It can be accessed on any device and from anywhere. However, it is important to note that without an ID card it is only possible to work with the content of the electronic mailbox. If you want to use another electronic service, for example to apply or to change data, a chip card and a reader for authentication are required.

I want someone else to manage my mailbox, is that even possible?

If you voluntarily choose not to manage your electronic mailbox, the solution is to authorise a trusted person to handle your documents. Here, we will only point out that the choice of the responsible person or company should be considered as it handles your personal, sensitive documentation between you and the state or legal authorities. The person authorised by you must have an ID card with a chip together with a security code. In this case, there is one more option – and that is a proof of residence with a code and a chip and a personal security code, or another kind of authenticator with an electronic chip and a code.

What if I’m comfortable with the physical method and yellow slips in the post?

If you are a natural person, this is possible. An entrepreneur registered in the Commercial Register of the Slovak Republic is obliged to have an e-wallet. The only disadvantages may include that you must have an eID, a chip and you have to pay an activation fee. If your mailbox is managed by a company or other body, you have to pay additionally to whoever manages your mailbox. For information on fees and price lists please visit the external company websites.

The price of an electronic mailbox – what does it depend on?

On this issue, the price of the electronic mailbox is the same for individuals and legal entities. The price has recently undergone a reform, so the new rule is that the size is automatically free of choice. In the recent past, it was still the case that storage up to 1GB was provided by the portal completely free of charge. However, the capacity may not have been sufficient for the volume of messages received, so an increase was possible. The increase in capacity for the user was by default from 10 €/1GB one-time . The 2023 reform defined, that from the 1^st of August 2023 there is no need to pay a fee to increase the storage capacity of the electronic mailbox. The size of the electronic mailbox will be automatically given to all by the available capacity of the Central Portal of Public Administration (slovensko.sk) without any request and without payment of a fee.

What problems can occur?

Mistakes can happen everywhere, and e-services are no exception. Problems can arise within the electronic mailbox, even though every effort is made to eliminate them. However, they cannot be eliminated completely.

Badly entered data

A very common problem that occurs with all users is data. If the data in the commercial register is not correctly entered or the user’s birth number is not correctly entered in the database, access to the mailbox is denied. There arises the problem of access itself. Even though you are entering your birth number correctly, if there is a typo in the database, you have no choice but to address the situation with a competent employee. However, this is the fault of the competent authority and not yours. The security is so reliable that it cannot be bypassed as with a conventional e-mail box by resetting the password on your phone. This is where the e-wallet is exceptional.

Sanctions

The legal entity has the electronic mailbox set up automatically and is obliged to dispose of it. If it does not respond to an e-communication from the State and government, it directly exposes itself to the risk that a State electronic document may be delivered to the mailbox. This may be a court decision, a decision of another State authority, a notice of arrears, etc. If the entity does not operate with the mailbox, it has no way of learning about the message and taking the necessary steps, or it fails to comply with its obligations under the legal-binding decision. There are no obligations or penalties for individuals and small businesses with respect to the e-Deposit Box.

Mailbox access – who can get them and how?

The electronic mailbox allows access to other people, which is particularly useful for businesses where the statutory representatives can authorise access to certain employees, such as secretaries. There are two types of access that can be granted: full and partial. Full access means that the authorised person has full rights to dispose of all aspects of the electronic mailbox, including reading, writing, deleting and managing folders. With partial access, permissions are limited and depend on what they are allowed to do. It is possible to only allow them access to certain folders and define what actions they can perform in those folders.

In order to grant access, the person must go to the Settings section of their mailbox and select the Person Permissions section. You then choose whether to add permissions to an individual or a legal entity. Then, they will fill out a simple form requesting to submit and confirm with a security code. After granting access to the electronic mailbox, the user can manage all granted permissions in the Settings section, specifically in the Person Permissions section. Here it is possible to revoke access to authorised persons or change the scope of their permissions if they have partial access. This functionality provides large organisations with better control over access to important documents and communications in the electronic mailbox. It allows them to grant rights to individuals based on their needs and ensure that only authorised individuals have access to sensitive information. In this way, the flow of information can be organised efficiently and the security of communications within the organisation can be ensured.

Deleting the mailbox

The electronic mailbox may only be terminated in the event of the dissolution of the legal entity or the death of the user, after 3 years from the date of notification to the relevant founder from the reference register. Deactivation is the only way to suspend its function.

It is also possible to deactivate the mailbox by letter, online in the “Forms” section. Deactivation is also possible via an electronic request, which is available directly in the electronic mailbox in the “Settings” section under “Mailbox Information”. Under ‘Mailbox status’ there is an option to ‘Deactivate mailbox’. Once the mailbox is deactivated, you no longer have access to it and you will have to re-create it if you wish.

AUTOR OF THE ARTICLE

Miroslav Rechtorík

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Signing documents with an ID card

simona.dravecka — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 08:30:02 +0000

Qualified signature

September 4, 2023

Signing documents with an ID card

Do you sign documents using your national ID card? It’s a highly useful tool that offers a quick and easy way to execute signatures. All you need is an ID card with a qualified electronic certificate, access to the 4SIGNER portal, and two free apps: 4SIGNER Web Signer and eID client.

The 4SIGNER portal offers comprehensive services for all activities related to electronic signing:

Digital signature
Elektronic signature
Elektronic seal
Advanced electronic signature
Advanced electronic seal
Qualified electronic signature
Qualified electronic seal
Qualified electronic timestamp
Qualified certificate for website authentication
Storage of electronic signatures and seals
Mandate certificate

With maximum legal certainty, it also offers the possibility not only to sign documents, but also to validate them.

Benefits of signing with an ID card

The ID card with the certificate is provided free of charge by the state and 4SIGNER provides free services for its use in signing.
4SIGNER provides 100% credibility without doubt of forgery – the services are listed in the European Union Trusted List as a provider of trustworthy services (European Commission website).
Environmental responsibility of companies – just as time is precious, so is our nature, and the combination of saving money, time and nature is a huge benefit.
Increasing work efficiency for yourself and your colleagues.
If you are not interested in signing documents with your ID card, there is another solution. On the NFQES portal, you can create the same certificate as on the ID card, while it is stored on the server, not on the card. In this way, you can conveniently sign documents via mobile phone or tablet without the need to connect the reader to the laptop.

Not sure if an electronic signature is for you?

An electronic signature is for anyone who wants to save time and energy when signing lengthy documents, or to use the time otherwise spent at offices and post offices more efficiently. It is also the right choice for those who care about the environment. It can be used by individuals (mayors, directors), small companies that cannot afford expensive on-premise solutions, as well as large companies (municipalities, banks), to whom Brain:IT offers the option of an Enterprise solution.

AUTOR OF THE ARTICLE

Miroslav Rechtorík

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Cyber Security

simona.dravecka — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 08:00:34 +0000

Cybersecurity

September 22, 2022

Cyber Security

Many shopping centers have their own SBS-cars, who will take out a misbehaving customer or a dangerous person if necessary. Not only physical spaces need protection, but also internet ones (various clouds or sites). We call this protection cyber security. NFQES also offers services in this area, in the field of security.

Positive impacts of artificial intelligence on cyber security

Biometric logins are currently one of the most used logins. It is about logging into the device using a fingerprint, palm or retina. We can use them as a separate service or use several of them at once. Most new smartphones already use these functions. Large companies cannot avoid hacker attacks, where email addresses, personal information or passwords are often compromised. Cyber security experts often point out that passwords consisting of numbers and letters are very vulnerable. Precisely because of this fact, biometric logins are a positive impact of artificial intelligence on cyber security. Cyber attacks are often pre-planned. It is for these types of attacks that artificial intelligence should be effective. Some companies are trying to teach artificial intelligence the ability to predict exactly given attacks through complex algorithms, thanks to which artificial intelligence will be able to recognize even the smallest signs of incoming attacks (ransomware, malware) and isolate them from the system.

Disadvantages and limits of artificial intelligence for cyber security

The potential of artificial intelligence, which we mentioned in passing above, is only a fraction of what cyber security could achieve. Despite its potential, there are limits that prevent it from becoming a major tool for use in this area. In order for a company to be able to train artificial intelligence, it has to provide it with a lot of data, which is resource-intensive, and the training time can take longer than expected. Some companies simply cannot afford these options. Another weakness presents the possibility for the other party, hackers, to train “their” AI to be immune to AI-based cybersecurity. In Slovakia, there was a new National Unit for the resolution of incidents, the so-called national CERT/CSIRT (Computer Security Incident Response Team Slovakia). Today, the National CSIRT is an organizational unit of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for Investments and Informatization. There is a graph on their website that shows the various incidents recorded in Slovakia.

AUTOR OF THE ARTICLE

Miroslav Rechtorík

4SIGNER

Remote Identity Verification: How It Works and What You Can Use It For

Remote Identity Verification: How It Works and What You Can Use It For

How does remote identity verification work?

What can you use it for?

Benefits of remote identity verification

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Comprehensive Signing Solution for BVS

Comprehensive Signing Solution for BVS

Bratislavská vodárenská spoločnosť a.s.

8 months

Custom Software with Electronic Signing

Water Utility

Bratislavská vodárenská spoločnosť

What We Solved

How It Works

Benefits for the Customer

Process Automation

Reduced Turnaround Time

Lower Environmental Impact

Online Availability

Electronic Signing

Improved Customer Experience

Project Complexity

3

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3

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3

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3

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What the Client Says

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Client zone for Tatra Leasing

Client zone for Tatra Leasing

Tatra Leasing, s.r.o.

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Client Zone with Electronic Signature

Financial Leasing

Tatra Leasing

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What does the client portal include?

How It Works

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Relieving Branches and Staff

Integration with Tatra Leasing Systems

No Need for Specialized Hardware

Cost Savings

Marketing Tool

Time Savings

Project Complexity

4

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4

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Paperless healthcare at MEDANTE

Paperless healthcare at MEDANTE

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for the customer