Electronic signatures and digital signatures are often used interchangeably in conversations - but each serves a different purpose. What's the difference? An e-signature is a legal concept. A digital signature refers to the encryption technology used in security, e-business and e-commerce applications, including e-signatures. OneSpan Sign takes the best of both and offers an ELECTRONIC signature application that is built on DIGITAL signature security. Take a closer look at electronic signatures vs. digital signatures in this infographic.
Learn more about electronic signatures vs. digital signatures
Electronic Signature An electronic signature is, like its paper equivalent, a legal concept. According to the U.S Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, an e-signature is an “electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to, or associated with, a contract or other record and adopted by a person with the intent to sign a record.” Based on this definition, an electronic signature can be broken down into these components:
- A method of signing
- Data authentication
- User authentication
- Capture of intent
Digital Signature A digital signature, on the other hand, refers to the encryption/decryption technology on which an electronic signature solution is built. A digital signature alone is not a type of electronic signature. Rather, digital signature encryption secures the data associated with a signed document and helps verify the authenticity of a signed record. Used alone, it cannot capture a person’s intent to sign a document or be legally bound to an agreement or contract. To learn more, see the electronic signatures vs. digital signatures blog.