Is Your eSign Software More Than an Electronic Signature?

The introduction of electronic signatures to industries received its fair share of initial backlash, but in the end proved, to even the most apprehensive, to be much more efficient and well-liked than the previous pen-and-paper method.

The Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act in 2000 was the final seal of approval, which made electronic signatures legal and as valid as a paper signature. But what is an electronic signature and how do you know it’s protected? The security and protection signers receive depend fully on the provider they choose.

Electronic signatures that utilize an enterprise-level electronic signature process usually include an intensive audit trail of who signed and when they signed. The necessary elements are provided to assist with the legal validity of signed contracts in practice and in court.

That being said, not all electronic signatures are also digital signatures. Electronic signatures track who signed, when they signed, and capture intent and consent while a digital signature encompasses more of the security and data built in to protect electronic signatures from forgery or alteration. In short: an electronic signature is legal but it may not keep your information as well-protected as a digital signature. Form Simplicity’s electronic signatures are backed by the security enhancements of digital signatures, to ensure authenticity and signature validation.

Before you sign on the dotted line, research the company whose system you will be utilizing. Ask yourself if their system contains all the right security features and is your information and intent protected as well as prevention from signature tampering or forgery.