Also called a digital signature,An ElectronicSignature is any way of signing a non-printed document. It can be done with your finger,mouse or stylus or it can be simply typing your name and possible something that verifies your identity,like your birth certificate or the last four digits of our social security number.
Electronic signature is easily the most common turn of phrase often used to talk about either an eSignature,a digital signature or both. However,it should be mentioned that an electronic signature doesn't necessarily mean legally binding because it refers to any online signature,which can include a copy-paste of your own signature.
The somewhat less commonly used term digital signature is actually more of a correct term. Digital signature or standard electronic signature is actually a coded,encrypted,legally binding digital footprint. The digital signature is composed of unique encoded messages-- one for each signee-- that join together to make a complete,legally binding,standard electronically signed document.
Are electronic signatures legal?
The answer is that it depends upon where you are doing business.
In 27 countries-- including China,the United States,Russia,Australia,Canada and those in the European Union-- electronic signature is legally binding. We strongly rely on the security of electronic signatures,but we also strongly recommend that you research the laws and weight of digital or electronic signatures in your particular country.
If you live in a country that hasn't passed legislation yet,you may,of course,fall under a gray area of the law and your eSignature will be accepted on many,if not most,contracts,however,it may not be legally binding in court. We do not recommend using eSignature blindly-- you or your lawyer need to know your own country's policies.
Now,if you are in a country that looks at eSignatures as equal to printed signatures,we say go for it,but be cautious. Simply signing on the dotted digital line does not mean it's binding. You need a trusted,certified software provider of eSignature like InsureSign to ensure it'll hold up in court.
A digital signature is a type of electronic signature that offers more security than a traditional electronic signature. When you sign a document with a digital signature,the signature links a "fingerprint" of the document to your identity. Then that information is permanently embedded into the document,and the document will show if someone comes in and tries to change it after you've signed it.
Because that information is embedded in the document,you don't need to check back with the vendor if you want to verify that the signature is still secure. That's a big benefit if you don't want to be tied down to one vendor over the life of your documents.
On top of that,more countries around the world accept digital signatures because they adhere to international standards for security.
Electronic SignaturesElectronic signatures are popular because they are simple to use. Customers can sign documents online with a click of the mouse or by using their fingers to trace a handwritten signature onto a document.
The downfall of electronic signatures is that they aren't governed like digital signatures are. It's up to each vendor to make their own standards,and you have to take their word for it when they say their signatures are secure.
As a matter of fact,electronic signatures don't have the secure coding that digital signatures have. That technology is what links the signature to the signer's identity and to the moment the document was signed. Essentially,electronic signatures are an image placed on the document,but they can't show if someone tampers with the document after it is signed.
Another drawback of electronic signatures is the fact that many vendors require you to check back with them if you 'd like to know if your document has been tampered with. That means if you decide to change to a different vendor,you could lose those signatures that are stored on the vendor's server.
Get the right eSignature for your business
What is an eSignature?
Nothing speeds the workflow along like a paperless environment. When combined with an eSignature,it paves the way for secure signatures on documents,in minutes and provides the flexibility to go with the flow.
What is eSignature?
An electronic signature,or eSignature,is an intent to agree to or approve the contents of a document.
What an online signature on a document mean you:
Money and time saved: Eliminate the need to print,fax,scan,and ship documents
Faster results: Send documents for signature and get a response in minutes,not days
Increased efficiency: Store and access all documents from your secure cloud account
Flexibility to work on the go: Sign,send,and track documents from anywhere on any Internet-enabled device
Want to know more ? Reach out to us at InsureSign.com
