An Advanced Electronic Signature (AES) is a digital signature that offers enhanced security and authentication, making it more secure than a standard eSignature. It uses digital certificates and encryption to verify the identity of the signer, ensuring that the signature is uniquely tied to them and that any changes to the signed document would invalidate the signature. This makes AES suitable for use in highly regulated industries such as healthcare, finance, and legal services, where maintaining document integrity is crucial.
Why is an Advanced Electronic Signature Important?
- Security: AES uses encryption and digital certificates to ensure that the signer’s identity is verified and that the document remains secure.
- Compliance: It meets global legal standards like eIDAS in the EU and the ESIGN Act in the US, making it a preferred choice for legally binding digital transactions.
- Identity Verification: AES ensures that each signature is uniquely linked to the signer, offering a higher level of identity assurance.
- Document Integrity: Any changes made to a document after it’s signed will invalidate the signature, ensuring that the document’s content remains unchanged.
Key Features of Advanced Electronic Signatures
- Digital Certificates: Issued by a Certificate Authority (CA) to verify the signer’s identity.
- Encryption: Uses cryptographic methods to secure the document and signature.
- Tamper Detection: Detects and invalidates any alterations to the document after signing.
- Audit Trail: Logs each action taken on the document for transparency and legal purposes.
Certinal eSign’s Advanced Electronic Signature Features
- Global Compliance: Certinal eSign adheres to legal standards in over 70 countries, including eIDAS and the ESIGN Act, making it ideal for international agreements.
- Robust Security: Certinal uses advanced encryption to ensure that all documents and signatures are protected against unauthorized access.
- Custom Authentication: Certinal offers multiple authentication methods like two-factor authentication and biometric verification for added security.
- Complete Audit Trail: Certinal provides detailed records of all actions related to document signing, ensuring transparency throughout the signing process.
How to Use Advanced Electronic Signatures in Certinal eSign
- Upload the Document: Log into Certinal eSign and upload the document you want to get signed.
- Add the Signers: Specify the individuals who need to sign the document and select the appropriate authentication method for each.
- Place Signature Fields: Use the drag-and-drop tool to position the signature fields within the document.
- Send for Signing: Click “Send”, and Certinal will notify the signers to review and sign.
- Monitor Progress: Track the document’s status in real-time and access the audit trail for complete transparency.
FAQs
- Is an Advanced Electronic Signature legally binding?
Yes, Advanced Electronic Signatures are legally binding under regulations like eIDAS in the EU and the ESIGN Act in the US and many more countries across the globe, making them suitable for international transactions.
- How is an Advanced Electronic Signature different from a standard eSignature?
An AES uses digital certificates for identity verification and encryption to secure the signed document, providing a higher level of security compared to standard eSignatures.
- What industries benefit most from Advanced Electronic Signatures?
Industries like healthcare, finance, and legal services benefit from AES due to the need for high-security standards and regulatory compliance.
- Can I use Advanced Electronic Signatures on mobile devices with Certinal eSign?
Yes, Certinal eSign supports the use of AES on mobile devices, allowing users to sign documents securely from anywhere.