Electronic Signatures vs. Digital Signatures

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Electronic Signatures vs. Digital Signatures Defining the Difference

Electronic signatures and digital signatures are often used interchangeably in conversation, but in reality, each carries a distinct set of defining features and functions.

DEFINING FEATURES

It’s a legal concept that stands as lasting representation and capture of someone’s intent

Encryption technology underlying the electronic signature works with an electronic signature NOT as an electronic signature

FUCTIONS

AN ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE NEEDS TO PROVE:

WHO signed

WHAT was signed

INTENT and Consent

HOW DIGITAL SIGNATURES SUPPORT ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES

SECURES SENSITIVE DATA associated with documents through encryption

DETECTS TAMPERING EFFORTS and invalidates signed documents if they have been altered in any way

STRENGTHENS signer trust

Simply having a digital signature applied to a document doesn‘t ensure integrity. How it is used and applied to support the electronic signature
is very important.

BETTER TOGETHER

Pairing the two together ultimately produces

• Persuasive, legally binding evidence
• Peace of mind among all parties
• A significantly faster document workflow

 

To learn more, see the electronic signatures vs. digital signatures blog.