Electronic Signatures Higher Security Levels

Electronic Signatures Higher Security Levels

1. Usage of electronic signature pads in a "stand alone" application. This does not meet the test of a legal signature, especially because it does not bind the electronic signature to the document. Such signature can be removed simply by selection and pressing the delete button.
2. Use of digital signature software that encrypts the electronic signature, usage of Public/Private Key Infrastructure electronic signature technology. This safeguards electronic signatures and allows for verification of the signature with the use of the same software. The signature is captured using an electronic signature pads and stored in a file that can only be opened with a password. The signature generally meets all legal requirements and cannot be removed from the document.
3. By using digital certificates a signature also can be verified as “authentic”, similar to a notary public witnessing a paper signature. However, unlike a notary public witnessing a paper signature, these legal witnesses have not been established for the electronic world. These can be used within organizations to establish identities.
4. A higher form of security is to sign each document using digital signature pads. An electronic signature pad allows for a person to sign the document on screen. Similar to a paper signature, this allows for handwriting analysis to verify the authenticity of the signature.
5. The highest form of security is with the use of biometrics using a fingerprint or retina scan, which will unlock a person’s signature.

Electronic Signatures Requirements

The whole area of electronic signatures makes confused most of organizations. People doubt that anything that looks like a signature on an electronic document is legal. Practically for using legal electronic signatures you must always sign documents by using appropriate software — the same requirement that is necessary for pen and paper signing.
Other requirements for both electronic and paper signing
1. Electronic signatures must be unique to the individual.
2. Electronic signatures must be verifiable as belonging to a person.
3. Electronic signatures must be under the sole control of the person signing (i.e., you cannot force someone to sign a document under duress).
4. Electronic signatures must be applied with intent.