E-sign, also known as electronic signature or e-signature, is a form of signing your documents online without any necessary printing. It’s like an electronic version of the pen and pepper stamp or signature for a specific person or organization. Note that these signatures are both secure and legally binding.
How did e-signature start?
E-sign started when the internet started experiencing globalization in the 1990s; however, there were various questions and doubts about whether this form of signature was as legally binding as an inversion. The answer to this was a total yes. Later in June 2000, the US Congress passed a federal law that facilitated the use of electronic signatures in interstates and foreign commerce. This effectively ensured the legality and validity of documents signed via electronic signature. This act was primarily to ensure contracts and transactions couldn’t be declined because they were signed electronically.
Can I trust e-signatures?
Due to the high rate of cyber scams, the internet and other forms of electronic communications are always hacked, you might be bothered whether digital signatures can be trusted. Well, even ink signatures can’t be trusted as they can be forged, but this time with difficulty. So what about e-signatures?
E-signatures are always validated through a third party who makes sure the signature sent belongs to that organization or person. These signatures are encrypted using a public key, and the original signature is filtered through a “hash function” it’s a way of scrubbing the data within so that just the recipient of the correct key can unlock it and read the contents of the document.
Can I authenticate an e-signature?
Currently, there are multiple ways to how you can authenticate an e-signature, with the main aim of linking the signature to another way of identifying a person online. Let’s have a look at some.
- Text Message Verification: This is a two-factor authentication process that requires a mobile phone. A text message with a unique code will be sent to the signer, and they must put the number into the software before signing the document.
- Email address verification: Another two-factor authentication process used to identify the person in question. This time, the signer must click on an email link to confirm that they are trying to access the document to sign.
- Qualified e-signatures: This method is completely different from the other two verification forms. Qualified electronic signatures have been thoroughly examined and verified via a labeling process that puts them in the same category as written signatures. To apply for qualified e-signatures, you’ll need to possess a form of ID, making it the most secure of the three.
Are you looking for the most convenient way to get your e-sign? Why not use Wesign today? We know the need for utmost security for documents and digital signatures, and we’re keen to provide that for you with no stress attached. With Wesign, you can open contracts, close contracts, secure deals, and do lots more online with a digital signature.
Also Read: 6 Reasons You Should Be Drinking More Water.
