Choosing a crypto provider (CryptoPro CSP vs ViPNet CSP)?

Question

Cryptography

In continuation of the question " EDS for signing files by employees ": when using a legally significant EDS (according to Federal Law No. 63) from an accredited CA, what is the difference between crypto providers? There are many of them, I know, in the title I indicated CryptoPro CSP and ViPNet CSP as the most common, and the second one is free. Most CAs, if they indicate a crypto provider, are CryptoPro, but does this really limit the choice, or can I use the free ViPNet CSP with the same CA? What are the differences, are there any pitfalls?
PS I don’t ask about the client interface: as I understand it, there are no alternatives to CryptoARM (only CryptEC, CryptoLine and ViPNet CryptoFile have been googled, but there is very little information about them).
UPD: Regarding the client interface: ViPNet CryptoFile has become available fordownload from the manufacturer's website , as well as clarifying the rights of its use: it is free for use with other ViPNet software. Thus, ViPNet CSP and ViPNet CryptoFile make up a complete and free stack for working with EDS. Hooray :)

Answer 1

The CA will almost always issue certificates using the Crypto Pro CSP, this is the current state of affairs.
But to generate a signature based on these certificates, it is quite possible to use ViPNet CSP, certificates issued by the CA are quite suitable for this.
This topic was discussed on the Crypto-Pro forum: link .
Alternatives to CryptoArm can also be found, it's just that this program is the most popular.

Answer 2

I don’t remember anything free :)
Yes, and they are unlikely to exist, since in your case (a legally significant signature) you should use a certified signing tool, and certification is a process that requires financial investments.

Answer 3

And again, what do you want to sign? If arbitrary files here are cryptoarm and cryptotech ... If Words, Excel, then here www.cryptopro.ru/products/office/signature Also in the Word itself, Excel has a signature function without third-party software, but hidden quite far ...

Answer 4

Install Vip Net (free) and order CEP in tensor (700r).
To create and sign documents, there is a free virtual printer that makes a PDF, signs it and sends it to e-mail. Or saves a PDF+signature to disk.
www.nextech.ru/Slides#akt

Answer 5

Download cryptopro from here for free cryptoproo.ru and you will be happy.