Digital signature software streamlines the process of signing documents, increases efficiency and improves data integrity. It can also reduce printing, shipping and travel costs while meeting regulatory compliance requirements. It can even be used as an alternative to handwritten signatures traditionally used.
When an individual signs the document using an electronic signature (e-sig) or digital signature the system will create a unique data version of the file, known as its cryptographic hash, which is then encrypted using the private key of the signer and then appended to the document as a digital signature. This ensures the original file cannot be altered or altered without breaking the digital signature. This tamper-evident system gives all parties to an agreement the ability to be confident in the document’s integrity, and also prove the signer actually signed it.
To protect against tampering, many digital signature applications use public key infrastructure and dataroomservice.blog/why-e-signature-solutions-are-becoming-the-future-of-deal-documentation hardware-based security technology, such as HSMs (Hardware Security Modules) which are designed to safeguard signing keys as well as other sensitive details associated with the digital signature process. This ensures that even if the computer used by the signer is compromised it will not be in a position to access the signer’s private key and sign documents under their name.
Some digital signature software offers audit trails that provide the entire signing process, making it much easier to identify unauthorized access and other security issues. Most systems also come with notifications to keep everyone informed on the status of documents. This can help avoid delays and uncertainty.
