The application of public key infrastructure based e-signature in institutional networks

THE APPLICATION OF PUBLIC KEY INFRASTRUCTURE BASEDE-SIGNATURE IN INSTITUTIONAL NETWORKS(M.Sc. Thesis)Hüseyin EROLGAZİ UNIVERSITYINSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYOctober 2006ABSTRACTE-signature became a vital requisite in order to simplify the decision process ininstitutional networks, to make processes more reliable, to increase quality ofservice and to use time effectively. Starting by 2004 when e-signature hasbecome official, institutions started to transfer their work flows to computerslegally. Although e-signature has lots of advantages, it is a quite new subject andit is necessary to be careful in the process of transition, especially in institutionalnetworks. Thus, it is very important to have a good knowledge about theapplication choices, software, hardware and services that will be bought alongthe process of application of e-signature systems in institutional network; toexamine present samples; to make a thorough analysis of the reliability,continuity, institutional features and to correct evaluation of quality of service.In this study, Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) based e-signature systems, areexamined in institutional networks in a detailed way and a sample application isdeveloped in an institutional network to demonstrate the practice of theinstitutional e-signature projects. In this scope, security substructure subjects,e-signature systems, PKI that forms the substructure of e-signature systems ininstitutional networks are worked out in detail. Additionally, to provide asample to the institutional e-signature systems, the current laws, researchresults about institutional substructure and sample applications of e-signaturein the world and our country are presented.Within the scope of this thesis, an e-signature application is simulated betweentwo departments of Gazi University. Using this application, the methods thathave to be followed and taken into consideration while establishing e-signaturesystems of institutional networks; determining the requirements, the points totake into consideration while choosing the application, the stepsof system analysis, design, application, test, usage and propagation of systemsare presented in a detailed way. According to the results of the application thatwas put into practice, it is seen that e-signature speeds up work flows ininstitutional networks, brings down costs and increases the security and workproductivity.This study covers, the security substructure of institutional networks; thetechnical and legal dimension of e-signature; the existing status, legalsubstructure and sample applications concerning to e-signature in the worldand our country; an application section that includes step by step application ofe-signature systems in an institutional networks. The mostimportant feature that distinguishes this study from others is its being a detailedup-to-date guide examining the topic of installation of the e-signature systemsin institutional networks. As a result, this study intends to help the widespreadusage of e-signature technology in our country.Science Code : 912.1.080Key Words : Digital Signature, Public Key Infrastructure, SecurityPage Number : 258Adviser : Assist. Prof. Dr. M. Ali AKCAYOL