USB Token

USB Token for Digital Signature Certificate

A USB Token is a secure, encrypted device that stores your Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) and allows you to sign electronic documents safely from any computer. It functions as a digital key, ensuring that your DSC is used only by you and preventing unauthorized access or misuse.

As per the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA), Government of India, storing a DSC in a secure hardware token is mandatory. This helps protect your digital identity and ensures that all your e-signatures are legally valid and tamper-proof.

At Lexlivo, we provide certified USB Tokens such as ePass2003, ProxKey, and WatchData, which are compliant with the latest CCA and FIPS standards. Each token is compatible with Class 2, Class 3, and DGFT DSCs, ensuring seamless use across all government and corporate platforms.  

Why USB Tokens Are Important

A USB token acts as the hardware security layer for your DSC. Without it, your digital signature cannot be safely used for filing, signing, or verifying documents. Every time you plug the token into your computer, you’ll be asked for a secure PIN/password — only after successful authentication can the signature be used.

This process guarantees:

• Secure Access: A USB token ensures that only authorized users can access and use the Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). Unlike storing the DSC on a computer, which can be vulnerable to malware or unauthorized access, the token provides a hardware-based security layer.  
• Data Integrity: One of the most critical advantages of using a USB token is the protection of document integrity. When you sign a document digitally using a DSC stored on the token, the signature is encrypted and uniquely linked to the document. 
• Legal Validity: DSCs stored on USB tokens are fully recognized under the Information Technology Act, 2000 and are valid for all legal, government, and corporate electronic filings in India. This includes MCA (ROC) filings, Income Tax submissions, GST returns, EPFO/PF submissions, and e-Tendering portals.
• Portability: USB tokens provide unmatched portability for professionals and organizations. You can securely carry your digital identity anywhere, whether it’s to a client meeting, office, or while working remotely. Unlike software-based DSCs that are bound to a single computer, a token allows you to access and use your DSC on multiple devices without compromising security. 

Features of Certified USB Tokens

Hardware-Based Security: DSCs are stored in a cryptographic chip, not on your computer.
Password-Protected Access: Each token requires a PIN for authentication.
Universal Compatibility: Works with all DSC types (Class 2, Class 3, DGFT).
Plug-and-Play Functionality: Simple to install on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
CCA-Approved: All tokens are approved by the Controller of Certifying Authorities, Govt. of India.
Durable & Long-Lasting: Designed for extended use with high-end encryption technology.  

Applications of USB Token

MCA / ROC e-Filings
USB tokens are essential for Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) e-Filings and Registrar of Companies (ROC) submissions. Directors, company secretaries, and authorized signatories can securely file annual returns, financial statements, and other statutory documents online. The USB token ensures that every filing is authenticated, secure, and legally valid, reducing the risk of tampering or errors during submission.

Income Tax and GST Filings
For professionals and businesses, USB tokens simplify Income Tax and GST filings by securely storing your DSC for digital verification. Whether it’s filing ITRs, TDS returns, or GST compliance forms, your DSC in a USB token guarantees legally recognized signatures, protecting your submissions from unauthorized access and ensuring complete integrity of the filed documents.

EPFO and PF e-Submissions
Employers and HR professionals can use USB tokens to manage EPFO (Employee Provident Fund Organization) and PF e-submissions efficiently. From uploading employee contribution details to submitting compliance reports, the token ensures that all digital signatures are secure, encrypted, and legally compliant, streamlining the regulatory process.

e-Tendering and e-Procurement Portals
USB tokens are mandatory for participating in e-Tendering and e-Procurement platforms. Businesses can bid, submit proposals, and authenticate documents online with confidence, knowing that their DSC stored in the token provides full security, identity verification, and non-repudiation, preventing fraud and impersonation in government and private tenders.

DGFT (Import-Export) Filings
Exporters and importers can use USB tokens for DGFT filings, including licenses, shipping bills, and other trade-related documentation. The DSC in a USB token ensures that all submissions are secure, encrypted, and recognized by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, reducing processing time and enhancing compliance accuracy.

Legal and Financial Document Signing
Lawyers, chartered accountants, and financial professionals rely on USB tokens for digitally signing contracts, agreements, and other legal documents. The token guarantees authenticity, confidentiality, and integrity, making electronic signatures legally enforceable in courts and compliant with the IT Act, 2000.

Banking and Government Applications
USB tokens are increasingly used for secure banking transactions, loan approvals, and government applications. They provide a reliable way to authenticate your identity digitally, prevent fraud, and ensure that all electronic submissions are encrypted and legally valid, whether for corporate accounts, digital mandates, or public services.

Types of USB Tokens Available

1. ePass2003 Auto USB Token:

The most widely used token, offering fast installation, driver-free support, and strong encryption.

2. ProxKey USB Token:

Known for its reliability, it’s widely accepted for DSCs across India’s government and tender portals.

3. WatchData / Safenet Tokens:

Trusted by corporates and professionals for high-speed signing and multi-platform compatibility.

Safety & Maintenance Tips

• Never share your token PIN or password.
• Do not store your DSC file outside the token.
• Avoid inserting the token into untrusted or public computers.
• Keep your token in a safe, dry place.
• Contact support if your token is lost or damaged — it can be revoked and reissued securely. 

USB tokens through licensed Certifying Authorities (CAs) in compliance with the Information Technology Act, 2000. Usage of the token is subject to CA guidelines, and Lexlivo cannot be held responsible for misuse due to PIN disclosure or unauthorized access.