Electronic signatures are becoming increasingly popular in the modern era since more and more companies have started to notice their multiple benefits. Speed, one of the key advantages of this solution, is what often drives people’s interest in using digital signatures. However, in today’s evolving digital landscape, security remains a top priority among the key requirements of a successful digital solution.
This short read will focus on the safety of digital signatures, the main protection measures and compliance practices boasted by these solutions, as well as the most common industry-standard options available on the market today.
How Are eSignatures Kept Secure?
There is an entire protocol regarding the main procedures that ensure digital security and compliance when it comes to electronic signatures. Among the most important are:
SSL Encryption
Each key pair contains two keys: a private one and a public one. The private key is secured while the public key is distributed as a certificate. That is how SSL, the standard security technology for encrypted links, ensures that all data that travels between the web server and browsers is, at all times, secure and private.
Password Protection
Users can add another layer of security by password protecting their documents. Having a strong password ensures limited access to your signing in process and creates a double-layer between you and threats actors.
Audit Trail
When speaking of digital evidence, your safest bet is to have as much information as you can. In other words, if a digitally signed document is to stand up to scrutiny in today’s courtrooms, it must also record and save all the steps of the signature process.
Time Stamping Authority
A Time Stamping Authority (TSA) provides certification assistance and represents a trusted third party that ensures the date of an electronic operation so that you can track all your electronic activity.
Timestamping is used to prove that a set of data existed before a certain point in time and that none of that data has been modified since.
Top Safest eSignature Solutions
PandaDoc
PandaDoc is a web-based document management solution which provides users with the possibility to create, deliver, and share documents online. Placing your legally binding signatures has never been easier and your paperless transactions and processes have never been this streamlined.
PandaDoc uses cloud technology to facilitate document-related practices. You can build contracts, quotes, proposals, HR documents, legal documents, and many others.
The software allows you to keep tabs on all your transactions while also keeping you updated regarding what happens to your documents when you send or email them to someone.
PandaDoc offers real-time analytics that shows you when your recipient opens and signs your documents. Furthermore, you can examine how much time your recipient spent on each part of your document, allowing you to figure out how your recipient feels about your document and what you could potentially improve.
SignRequest
An easy-to-use and intuitive electronic signature platform that provides professional and flexible integration to your business workflows. Signing electronic has never been easier for both users and their end customers as SignRequest transforms the signing journey into a fast and very secure procedure.
SignRequest improves and speeds up many business workflows that require signatures from upper management, key employees, and clients—without jeopardizing security.
SignRequest ensures digital signatures are secured with Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) 256-bit encryption. Documents can also be signed using a GlobalSign digital certificate, which is part of Adobe’s approved trust list. By doing this, a strong layer of security is added, which ensures that your information and digital signature are protected and secure.
Zoho Sign
This app offers a high level of security by using audit trails, access codes, and multi-factor verification to protect documents. Moreover, it ensures that documents signed electronically in the Zoho Sign app are just as valid and legally-binding as handwritten signatures according to the “ESIGN Act” or Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act.
The general consensus appears to be that digital signatures are a winning bet. They are efficient and easy-to-use and every day, changes and improvements are made to make them more secure in today’s evolving threat landscape.
