A complete guide on the difference between Digital Signature and Electronic Signature
Table of Content
Introduction
The terms electronic signature and digital signature are frequently used together, but they are two different things. When learning about online signatures for the first time, it’s simple to become confused by the number of options available. The terms “digital signature” and “electronic signature” are frequently used. Here is an explanation of the difference between a digital signature and an electronic signature.
What is an Electronic signature?
The convenience of usage of electronic signatures makes them trendy. Customers can sign documents online with a click of a mouse or by tracing a handwritten signature using their fingers, Although it is a fact that the Digital signatures have more secure coding than electronic signatures have.
The signature is connected to the signer’s identification with the date and time. It is essentially an image that is placed on the document. However they cannot detect alteration with the document after it has been signed. Another issue with electronic signatures is that many companies want you to check back with them to see if your document has been altered, which means if you want to switch to a new vendor, you are at risk of losing those signatures that are kept on the server of the current vendor.
What is a Digital Signature?
Digital Signature is a type of Electronic Signature which is also considered as more secure signature in comparison to electronic signature.” When you put your digital signature on a document, it creates a connection between your identity and the fingerprint on your document. After you sign the document, that information is permanently embedded into it, and the document will indicate if someone tries to tamper with it.
When a digital signature is used on a particular piece of writing, it is linked to the signed data in a single, unique fingerprint. The following tasks are performed with the help of cryptographic operation:
- Indicating the document’s validity and the source.
- Ensuring that the document was not altered after being signed.
- Confirming the signer’s identity.
|
Features |
Digital Signature |
Electronic Signature |
|
Purpose |
Used to secure the document |
Used to verify the document |
|
Regulations and involvement of outside parties |
Certification authorities grant permission and regulate a digital signature. |
Usually, it is not regulated |
|
Utilization of cryptographic algorithms |
Cryptographic algorithms are used in the generation of digital signatures. |
Somewhat less protected There are no cryptographic algorithms used. |
|
Verification |
Verifying a digital signature is possible. To verify it a person must provide all the required documents. |
It can’t be verified. |
|
Benefits |
Preferable to an electronic signature due to its higher level of authenticity. |
Simple to use but, the level of customer satisfaction is less. |
|
The signer’s motive |
The security of the document is of particular concern to the signer. |
The signer declared his or her intent to accept the terms and conditions of the contract by signing. |
|
An evident mark |
A document that has been signed with a digital certificate has the fingerprint of the signature. |
A password, pin code, or any other form of expressed consent is also considered as an electronic signature. |
Conclusion
Digital and Electronic signatures are different in their ways. Ebizfiling has trying to provide a concise description of the categories while highlighting their primary differences. The technologies and procedures you need to implement depend on the types of signatures an organization needs to collect.
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