Individuals have used signatures for centuries as a means of showing agreement to the terms of a document. In fact, America’s founding fathers signed the Constitution to show their support for the document. Now, people use their signatures daily, and it is unique to them. Handwriting experts can be called in when needed to ensure the signature belongs to the person and verify their identity. This autograph remains with the person for their lifetime. However, times are changing.
Today, digital signatures continue to increase in popularity and importance. As with physical signatures, a digital signature verifies the identity of the person while binding that person to the digital data. The receiver, or a third party acting on the behalf of the receiver, can independently verify the signature. This signature remains as unique as the physical signature. However, there is one key difference.
The Benefits of Digital Signatures
Digital signatures allow more security along with confirmation of the origin of the document and the identity of the signer. The receiver can verify the integrity of the writing much as they can with physical signatures. How is this possible?
A person cannot alter or change the advanced mark, and receivers can follow the report when it is carefully marked. Using digital signatures cuts down on paper usage, making it an environmentally friendly option. It allows for e-documents, which are of great importance in today’s busy world, and simplifies the signing process for all parties involved in the transaction. Costs decrease when digital signatures are used.
Digital signatures use public-key cryptography. As a result, the message can be authenticated readily and the data integrity verified. If the key is altered in any way, the verification process alerts the receiver to this alteration. They can then deny the message and the signature. Finally, the signer cannot repudiate the digital signature, as they are the only ones with access to the signature key.
How Does a Digital Signature Differ From an Electronic Signature?
Men and women may equate digital signatures with electronic signatures. They don’t understand the differences between the two. Electronic signatures or e-signatures allow a receiver to accept a document or signature from a person. Using an electronic signature reduces the time needed to complete a transaction. Electronic signatures come in many forms, and all allow a person to sign a document digitally while maintaining the receiver’s ability to authenticate the sender’s identity.
Digital signatures serve as one type of electronic signature technology. They remain the most secure option available at this time. A digital signature benefits from a PKI endorsement provided by a trusted Certificate Authority or CA. This endorsement allows the receiver to authenticate and document the identity of the signer quickly and easily.
Where Can Digital Signatures Be Used?
Digital signatures may be used in a number of areas. People use them when sending emails over the internet or other electronic means. Online exchanges benefit from the use of digital signatures, and countless individuals use a digital signature when they wish to file their income taxes electronically. Currently, many people use a digital signature for their documents, including those created using MS Excel, MS Word, or PDF technology.
Individuals should consider using digital signatures when sending or receiving documents electronically. Doing so offers numerous benefits and provides a higher level of security than seen with many electronic signature technologies. The use and importance of digital signatures continue to rise, so every company should begin employing this technology today.
