Digital signatures have an important part to play in both verifying the legitimacy of business documents and ensuring the transparency of business transactions. As paper documents become more and more a thing of the past, companies are using digital documents instead. By eliminating paper come the added benefits of protecting the environment and saving the planet’s resources. In the latest article from Relativity, the business technology specialists based in East Sussex, we look at digital signatures in more detail. By reading our blog, you will discover what they are, their benefits to your business and why and when you can use them.
What is a Digital Signature?
It is an electronic, encrypted, stamp of authentication on digital information such as email messages, macros, or electronic documents. A signature confirms that the information originated from the signer and has not been altered.
Microsoft
It is a mathematical technique used to validate the authenticity and integrity of a message, software or digital document. It's the digital equivalent of a handwritten signature or stamped seal, but it offers far more inherent security. A digital signature is intended to solve the problem of tampering and impersonation in digital communications.
TechTarget
A digital signature is a modern alternative to signing documents with paper and pen. It uses an advanced mathematical technique to check the authenticity and integrity of digital messages and documents. It guarantees that the contents of a message are not altered in transit and helps us overcome the problem of impersonation and tampering in digital communications.
Zoho
Benefits of Digital Signatures
Security is the primary benefit with Personal Identification Numbers (PINS), passwords and codes used to verify and authenticate a signer’s identity and approve their signature.
- Legally compliant and accepted globally
- Time saving when compared with the signing, storage and exchange of physical documents
- Time stamping – data and time of the signature is provided
- Positive impact on the environment – reduction in physical waste and transporting paper documents
- Audit trail is created for enhanced traceability
- Cost savings – paperless saves on physical resources, personnel required and office space
Why Use Digital Signatures?
The document can be verified as authentic as the signer is confirmed as the signer. You will also know that the content has not been altered or manipulated since it was digitally signed. Digital technologies have risen dramatically as more and more businesses create, store and transmit information in an electronic form. Online transactions must be secure and digital signatures have simplified things with this cryptography-based document signing process.
When Can You Use Digital Signatures?
- Contracts
- Sales invoices
- Customer agreements
- Company presentations and reports
- Employee contracts
- Business financial documents
- Purchase orders
How Can Relativity Help the Digital Transformation of Your Business?
Communication is key for all businesses and digital signatures will become more prevalent. If you would like to know more about how this technology could help your business, please contact us on 01825 280123 or email info@relativity.co.uk. You could soon be reducing the risk of fraud, data theft and legal consequences.
Next time we will be looking at Zoho Sign in more detail.
Resources:
https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/definition/digital-signature
https://www.zoho.com/sign/how-it-works/electronic-signature/digital-signature.html