How Do Electronic Signatures Work? Are They Tamper-Proof?

How Do Electronic Signatures Work? Are They Tamper-Proof?

Electronic signatures are becoming increasingly popular with businesses and consumers alike, as they provide a convenient way to sign documents without printing and signing paper copies.

An electronic signature is created using a digital certificate and added to an electronic document. The purpose of an electronic signature is to prove that you sent the document through email or on a website without having to sign in person with a pen. Adding your digital signature to an email or document allows people who receive it to verify that it came from you. A digital certificate is needed for this process because it creates a unique encryption key that can’t be re-used by anyone else.

Ways To Sign Using An Electronic Signature 

There are a variety of methods that fall under the category of an electronic signature, including:

• You can sign a document by typing your name and other data that verifies your identity into an electronic signature generator that generates a signature for you.
• You can sign a digital document with your signature using your finger on the screen or with a stylus.
• You can sign in using your credentials, which will require the use of passwords, biometrics or encryption technology with an approved and verified TSP (Trust Service Provider). 

Benefits of Electronic Signatures

Electronic signatures provide several benefits over traditional paper-based ones:

• They can be verified in seconds rather than days, saving time and money for both parties involved in a transaction.
• They don’t require expensive fax machines and printers; you only need an internet connection and your devices, such as a laptop or a personal computer (in some cases, a camera or webcam may be required). 
• Documents can be sent directly from one person to another over email or any online messaging services, streamlining workflows and boosting your workforce’s productivity.

These are just some of the benefits you and your team can experience in utilizing electronic signatures in your business transactions.

Are Digital Signatures The Same As Electronic Signatures?

The term digital and electronic signatures are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference between the two. An electronic signature is an overarching umbrella under which the digital signature falls.

A digital signature is a mathematical algorithm used for signing documents and data. In contrast to human-readable signatures, a digital signature is not readable by humans. It consists of a string of bits that can be decoded using a secret key (e.g., the private key from a public-private key pair).

Valid digital signatures give the receiver a reason to believe that the document or email was accomplished and sent by an authenticated sender (authentication and integrity) and that it has not been altered or tampered with since it was signed (non-repudiation).

An example of an application where digital signatures are useful in e-commerce transactions is when you buy something using your credit card online. The website needs to verify that you are who you claim to be and that your payment went through. Digital signatures can also be part of more complicated processes, such as document management systems and certificate authorities. 

The Different Levels Of Electronic Signatures

 There are several different levels of electronic signatures, each with its own set of features and capabilities. Here is an overview of the different levels:

• Simple Electronic Signature

The simplest signature type; there is no identity verification requirement. The onus is on the individual accepting the document to trust the person signing the document. This type of electronic signature is not tamper-proof as there is no verification process. Even ordinary folks can forge this type of signature.

In some situations, these signatures are legally binding, but by and large, most companies require further verification.

• Advanced Electronic Signature

This type of signature requires identity verification. They rely on a certificate unique to the document’s signer. The most reliable ones are transmitted through a specific service that is traceable if audits need to be made. They are certified by a reputable certificate authority.

This type is harder to tamper with, as it requires some technical knowledge to tamper with this signature.

• Qualified Electronic Signatures

These are a more advanced form of the advanced electronic signature. They meet the requirements outlined by a set of regulations known as eIDAS (shorthand for electronic identification and trust services). This regulation is the key to successful cross-border transactions.

Qualified electronic signatures (QES) must be accompanied by a certificate based on a public key generated using appropriate technological means. Prior verification of the signatory by an approved entity, such as a certificate authority, is also required. This identification can be done face-to-face, either remotely via video chat or in person. 

This signature type falls under digital signatures. And is, at the moment, one of the highest levels of signatures used. Major corporations and banks use this type as it ensures the highest level of security desired to ensure the safe transmission of data.

Conclusion

In conclusion, electronic signatures are a convenient and secure way to sign documents and agreements online. The types of electronic signatures and the way they work may change as technology advances, some of the more tamper-proof methods may become susceptible to hackers, and new methods may have to be devised to combat that.