The term ‘electronic signature’ or ‘digital signature’ has interpretations. The essence remains the same. An electronic signature that allows an individual to give consent to the content of a document.
Table of Content
E-Signature Definition
An electronic signature is a representation of a person’s intention to agree with the content of a document or a set of data associated with the E-signature. Similar to its counterpart in the world, an electronic signature is a legal concept that captures the signatory’s intention to be bound by the terms of the signed document.
In signatures individuals need to provide some form of certificate-based authentication to verify their claimed identity when signing.
Fun Fact: While it might seem like “digital signature” and “electronic signature” are synonymous terms, they are not exactly the same. “Not all e-signatures are digital signatures. All digital signatures are a type of electronic signature.”
Advantages of using an E-signature
By using an electronic signature, you can avoid additional printing, scanning and mailing of paper documents.
- E-signatures simplify life. Provide a modern way to verify the signatory’s identity.
- E-signature marks are commonly used in PDF documents such as contracts or orders.
- You can also electronically sign types of documents such as emails or data files.
Why is it beneficial to use an E-signature?
E-signatures created using the tools provided by the Digital and Population Data Services Agency are trustworthy. They ensure the authenticity, integrity and certainty of the signed information.
A level electronic signature provides confidence, to the parties involved in ways:
- It verifies the identity of the person who signed the document.
- It ensures that no alterations have been made to the signed data after it was signed.
- The signatory cannot deny having made an E-signature or claim that changes were made to the document afterward.
Role of Digital Signatures
Location and Time
An electronic signature can be created anywhere. At any time.
This is particularly beneficial as remote work becomes more common allowing documents to be signed from a distance requiring all signatories to be physically present at an office.
The flexibility of location is especially useful when multiple individuals need to sign the document. They do not have to gather in one place; instead, they can all sign the document wherever they are located.
Fast and Efficient
Signing a document electronically is nearly as quick as signing it on paper. It also saves time during handling.
Tasks can be managed efficiently when documents no longer need to be scanned, printed or sent through traditional mail.
The document can be stored where authorized individuals can access it if needed.
Easily Sharable
Sending a document to recipients takes a moment. If you happen to send the signed document to the recipient via email it’s important to consider data security. If necessary, use encrypted email.
Using E-signature eliminates the need for printing the document, which’s not eco-friendly but also removes concerns about physical storage.
There are electronic workspace solutions to ensure that documents can be securely stored for a long period of time. It is also a choice to reduce the amount of paper used.
No need for scanning
The text remains machine readable.
By avoiding the need for scanning between signatures the text within the document remains easily readable by machines. This allows screen reading software to access and interpret the content making it more accessible. This feature is particularly useful when archiving and searching through documents.
Border signing method
Electronic signatures are also a quick and efficient method when documents need to be shared across borders, such as contracts or competitive bidding processes.
A certified electronic signature holds validity worldwide. It is binding. Can be verified without evidence.
Multiple applications
While electronic signature is commonly associated with signing PDF documents like contracts or decisions its usage extends to scenarios. This includes email messages, different data files (such as installation packages or application updates) tracking traffic or even utilizing technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can advanced signatures be created?
Answer: A digital signature relies on the process of hashing and public key cryptography. When you sign data, you hash the information. Encrypt the results using your key. The encrypted hash value is referred to as a signature. If any changes are made to the data a different digital signature will be generated.
How to Create E-signature Online?
Answer:
- Open our web-based tool, for creating signatures.
- Drop a PDF into the provided toolbox.
- Click on “Your Signature” located on the right-hand side.
- Draw, type. Upload your signature.
- Click “Generate”. Place it onto the document.
- Select “. Sign” once you are done.
- Download your signed document, in PDF format.
How do digital signatures work?
Answer: When a signer digitally signs a document, a cryptographic hash is generated for that file. This cryptographic hash is then encrypted using the signers key, which is securely stored in an HSM (Hardware Security Module) box.