Method for securely using digital signatures in a commercial cryptographic system

System for secure use of digital signatures in a commercial cryptography system which allows for industry-wide security measures and authorization information to be encoded into signatures and certificates using attribute certificates to introduce measures and authorization requirements. Verification of measures and authorization requirements are introduced into the system by limiting access to public keys to users who have digitally signed and are willing to follow the system's rules. These rules can also ensure that payment is made for the use of public and private key. In addition, users can introduce their own rules and action requirements for transactions in the system.