In today’s digital age, the use of electronic signatures and digital signatures has become increasingly popular. Both are used to sign documents electronically, but there are differences between the two. In this blog, we will explore the differences between electronic signatures and digital signatures.
What are Electronic Signatures?
Electronic signatures, also known as e-signatures, are a way of signing documents electronically. They are used to signify that the signatory has agreed to the terms and conditions mentioned in the document. Electronic signatures can be created using a variety of methods, including typing your name, drawing your signature using a mouse, or using a stylus on a touchscreen device.
Types of Electronic Signatures
There are several types of electronic signatures, including:
- Typed or Text Signatures – This type of signature involves the signatory typing their name in a specific format, such as including their name in between forward slashes (/John Doe/).
- Click-to-Sign – This type of signature requires the signatory to click on a button or checkbox to indicate their agreement to the terms and conditions mentioned in the document.
- Biometric Signatures – This type of signature involves the use of a biometric authentication method, such as a fingerprint or facial recognition, to verify the identity of the signatory.
What are Digital Signatures?
Digital signatures, on the other hand, are a type of electronic signature that provides an added layer of security to the signing process. They are based on cryptographic technology and use a unique identifier known as a digital certificate to verify the identity of the signatory. Digital signatures use a public key infrastructure (PKI) to ensure the integrity and authenticity of the signed document.
How Digital Signatures Work?
Digital signatures work by using a cryptographic algorithm to create a unique digital signature that is associated with the signed document. The digital signature is created using the signatory’s private key, which is kept secure and known only to the signatory. The signed document is then encrypted using the signatory’s public key, which can be shared with others.
When the document is received by the recipient, the digital signature is verified using the signatory’s public key. If the digital signature is valid, the recipient can be sure that the document has not been tampered with and that it was signed by the intended signatory.
Also know about: What are the different classes of Digital Signature Certificate?
Electronic Signatures and Digital Signatures: Key Differences
- Security – Digital signatures provide a higher level of security than electronic signatures. Digital signatures use cryptographic technology to ensure the integrity and authenticity of the signed document.
- Legal Validity – Digital signatures are legally valid in most countries around the world, whereas the legal validity of electronic signatures may vary depending on the jurisdiction.
- Verification Process – Digital signatures require a more rigorous verification process than electronic signatures. Digital signatures use a public key infrastructure to verify the identity of the signatory, whereas electronic signatures may simply require the signatory to type their name or click a button.
- Document Protection – Digital signatures offer better protection against document tampering than electronic signatures. Digital signatures use a cryptographic algorithm to create a unique digital signature that is associated with the signed document.
Conclusion
In conclusion, electronic signatures and digital signatures are both used to sign documents electronically. However, digital signatures provide a higher level of security and legal validity than electronic signatures. Digital signatures use cryptographic technology to ensure the integrity and authenticity of the signed document, whereas electronic signatures may simply require the signatory to type their name or click a button. Understanding the differences between the two can help you make an informed decision about which one to use for your document signing needs.
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