E signature technology speeds up many processes for documenting which reduces delays and saves money by reductions in postage, paper and faxing. It also reduces the time needed to send documents to signers and makes it easier for them to be signed online.
An electronic signature is a picture of a handwritten or typed name that is attached to digital documents. These types of electronic signatures do not verify the authenticity of the person signing it or contain any authentication or encryption features. A more sophisticated eSignature employs verification technology to create an encrypted hash of signature data and link it to a public key that is associated with the signer’s electronic ID. The recipient is able to decrypt the hash and compare it to the public key to ensure that the document has not been tampered with since it was signed.
A company can improve the security of electronic signatures through additional methods of verification, like passwords as well as two factor authentication and biometrics. These more sophisticated types of eSignatures can be used in situations where there is a higher probability that the authenticity of a signature will be challenged.
Agencies should give special consideration to long-term, electronically-signed records vpnssoft.net/virtual-data-room-for-flexible-performance that preserve legal rights. These records may need an extended software cycle and it’s crucial to preserve the integrity of records in any upgrade or migration processes. NARA’s guidance on records scheduling can help agencies determine the most appropriate timeframes for the retention of these records.