It’s easy to create digital signatures using an eSignature provider such as DocuSign. Digital signature providers, like DocuSign, meet PKI requirements for safe digital signing. To protect the integrity of the signature, PKI requires that the keys be created, conducted, and saved in a secure manner and often requires the services of a reliable Certificate Authority (CA). The signature is then considered invalid. If the public key can’t decrypt the signature (via the cypher from which the keys were created), it means the signature isn’t Jane’s or has been changed since it was signed. The buyer who receives the document also receives a copy of Jane’s public key. If the document changes after signing, the digital signature is invalidated.Īs an example, Jane signs an agreement to sell a timeshare using her private key. The signature is also marked with the time that the document was signed. The resulting encrypted data is the digital signature. The mathematical algorithm acts as a cypher, creating data matching the signed document, called a hash, and encrypting that data. When a signer electronically signs a document, the signature is created using the signer’s private key, which is always securely kept by the signer. One key is public, and one key is private. PKI requires the provider to use a mathematical algorithm to generate two long numbers, called keys. Digital signature solution providers, such as DocuSign, follow a specific protocol called PKI. In addition, some industries also support specific standards based on digital signature technology.ĭigital signatures, like handwritten signatures, are unique to each signer.

Tiered eSignature models prefer locally defined standards based on digital signature technology this includes many countries in the European Union, South America, and Asia. The use of digital signature technology for eSignatures varies significantly between countries that follow open, technology-neutral eSignature laws, such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, and those that follow tiered eSignature models. There are different types of digital signature, including (SES) simple electronic signatures, (AES) advanced electronic signatures, and (QES) qualified electronic signatures. However, there are differences in purpose, technical implementation, geographical use, legal and cultural acceptance of digital signatures versus other types of eSignatures.

Both digital signatures and other eSignature solutions allow you to sign documents and authenticate the signer. Digital signatures offer a heightened level of identity assurance through digital certificates. The category includes a digital signature. The broad category of electronic signatures (eSignatures) encompasses different types of electronic signatures. What’s the difference between a digital signature and an electronic signature?

Create a digital pdf signature