E signature technology speeds up many document workflows, reducing the time in the process of reviewing and saving money on postage, paper and faxing. It also reduces the time required to send documents to signers and makes it easier to sign documents online.
A simple electronic signature is a digital image of a typed or handwritten name. These kinds of electronic signatures do not come with encryption or authentication features, nor do they verify the identity of the signer. A more sophisticated eSignature makes use of verification technology to generate http://vpnssoft.net/ a hash of the signature, and connects it to a public key that is associated with the signer’s identity. The recipient is able to decrypt the hash and then compare it to the public key to verify that the document has not been tampered with since it was signed.
A business can improve the security of electronic signatures by using additional verification methods, such as passwords two factor authentication, passwords and biometrics. These more sophisticated forms are employed when there is greater chance that the authenticity of the signature could be challenged.
Agencies should give special consideration to long-term, electronically-signed records that preserve legal rights. They may require a more lengthy software life cycle and it is important to ensure that a record’s integrity is maintained throughout any upgrade or migration process. NARA’s guidance for records scheduling can help agencies determine the proper retention period for these records.