Electronic Signature Online: Secure and Easy Solutions.

09 Dec 2024

Advanced Electronic Signature

Why Should You Choose Electronic Signature Online?


In a world driven by digital transformation, electronic signature online tools have become popular because electronic signature online offers considerable benefits. Electronic signature online solutions enable users to sign documents on their computers or mobile devices rather than having to print them out. Prior to signing a document, an e-signature requires a password, IP address, or security token to authenticate a person’s identity. Let’s see the most basic questions surrounding the e-signature process.


Are electronic signature online solutions safe to use? Yes,e-signatures are based on an asymmetric key infrastructure; they are generally regarded as secure. They obtain and verify public keys to sign documents or transactions and are generally regarded as a secure technology.


Evolution of the Signature: From Ink to Digital


The concept of signing a document started several centuries ago, but technological advancement has played an intricate role in how the signing is done currently.


Key Milestones in Signature Technology:


Paper-Based Signatures: This involves an individual applying their signature on a document.


Scanned Signatures: It is a reproduction of a signature made through a scanning method.


Electronic Signatures: Software or an internet-based application that legally possesses the endorsement of a person.


Electronic signatures have defined the regime of the modern era as they allow users to sign documents from any location without any legal restriction or violation.


The Hidden Potential of Electronic Signatures

There is a larger picture to the advantages of electronic signatures. They are also transforming sectors by reforming necessary processes and minimising risks.


Emerging Applications of Electronic Signatures:

Real Estate: Efficient property transactions with approval of contracts signed at a different location.


Healthcare: Efficient patients’ consent and medical documents records.


Finance: Proper delivery of loans and framework compliance.


Education: Administrative processes have been simplified, encompassing admissions and certifications.


Beyond Basics: What Are Advanced Electronic Signatures?

Advanced Electronic Signatures (AES) belong to a category of electronic signatures that have higher levels of security features, compliance requirements, and possess legal strength as compared to basic signatures. These are respectively defined under the UETA regulation (Electronic Identification, Authentication and Trust Services) in the United States. Uniform Acts are meant to provide a more rigorous authentication and integrity.


Key Characteristics of Advanced Electronic Signatures

Uniquely Linked to the Signatory


Governments all over the world have embraced technological developments and legislation now prescribes the need for the individual who is signing to be identifiable. This is often accomplished by using digital certificates that are linked to a particular person.


Capable of Identifying the Signatory


The signature system must allow for clear identification of the signer. This is especially accomplished through identity verification and combinations of secure methods like Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).


Created with Sole Control of the Signatory


The signing process must guarantee that only the intended signer has access to create the signature. This may include private keys embedded in safe devices or encryption software tools.


Integrity of Signed Data


Data that is signed should not be altered after signing. Any alteration makes the signature invalid. This is often binding through cryptographic keys.


Legal Validity and Compliance


AES is recognized by law under the eIDAS, UETA, and in many jurisdictions around the world, when the criteria are met.


Technologies Behind Advanced Electronic Signatures

Public Key Infrastructure (PKI):


PKI utilises a pair of keys (private and public) for the signing process. A private key is read only by the signer and, when applied, creates the signature and the public key is there to verify the signature.


Digital Certificates:


Cryptographic keys are issued by trusted Certificate Authorities (CAs) connecting the signatory with the respective private and public key.


Biometric Data:


Some AES solutions include additional factors such as biometrics integration, like fingerprints and facial pictures. Such practices combine two or more security types to provide more safety to the document.


Signature Management in Cloud Environment:


Some popular SaaS services include VeriDoc Sign, DocuSign, Adobe Acrobat Sign or SignNow and are capable of AES because they present security mechanisms within their digital signatures solutions. They process and solve everything related to the authentication of the user, all certificates, and filament checks within the service.


Difference between VeriDoc, DocuSign and Adobe E-sign?

When looking for a suitable electronic signature platform, it is important to consider the following factors – the price, the level of security of the platform, and the compatibility with the existing system. Discussed below are the characteristics of VeriDoc Sign, DocuSign, and Adobe E-Sign.


1. VeriDoc Sign

This platform represents considerable progress, as this product is developing in a secure and transparent document signing market on the blockchain. It is focused on security, accessibility and ease of adoption by individuals and businesses.


Cost: The platform has a free version & basic functionality, making it suitable for users with low budgets.


Technology: The verification of documents on the blockchain is secure.


Ideal For: Owners of startups, freelancers and others having straightforward business management that requires signing and high-level security.


Special Feature: High level blockchain protection enabling clients to sign at no cost.


2. DocuSign

The platform specialises in electronic signatures, focusing mainly on business clients with potentially sophisticated integration and workflow requirements.


Cost: It starts off with a pretty affordable personal subscription plan, and rises steeply for enterprise features.


Technology: This technology built a private cloud, focused acutely on personalising the business workflow.


Ideal For: Best suited for medium to large enterprise projects that integrate well with tools like Salesforce and Microsoft Office.


Special Feature: Advanced automation for complex business processes.


3. Adobe E-sign

Adobe E-sign is a solution under the Adobe Document Cloud, which is designed for deep users of the ecosystem from Adobe.


Cost: Slightly more expensive, but very good value for a user already employing Adobe Creative Cloud products.


Technology: Strongly integrates with Adobe tools and provides advanced multi-factor authentication for all document types.


Ideal For: This is ideal for imaginative professionals and organisations, which often rely on PDF documents.


Special Feature: Unmatched harmony with Adobe Acrobat and design tools.


Which of them should you choose? For a user who wants budget-friendly options, VeriDoc Sign is appropriate, offering a cost-effective yet secure method for signing documents.


In Summary

Using electronic signatures online is more than just a step into the modern world. It is a way of changing the management of agreements entirely. VeriDoc Sign is one of the advanced service businesses should have.


As a business professional in the 21st century, the need to adopt digital signatures should not be limited since they imply time, cost savings, definite enhancement of accountability and the environment. Switching to a new type of signature compatible with technology is no longer a question for the future. Are you ready for it?