The terms ‘Digital signature’ and ‘electronic signature’ are often used synonymously. But these are two different solutions and cannot be used interchangeably. It is therefore important to highlight the differences between these two for users evaluating the purchase of a signature tool.
Electronic Signature: Like a wet signature, an electronic signature is a legal concept. According to the U.S Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, an
e-signature is an "electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to, or associated with, a contract or other record and adopted by a person with the intent to sign a record."
Digital Signature: Digital signatures, on the other hand, refer to the encryption/decryption technology for which digital signature solutions are built. Digital signatures alone are not a kind of electronic signature. Instead, digital signature encryption helps protect the data associated with the signed document and verify its authenticity. When used alone, it does not capture the intent of a person to sign a document or be legally bound by a contract or contract.
In this flyer titled, “Digital Signature vs. Electronic Signature,” we cover topics like:
- The purpose each digital and electronic signature’s serve
- The kind of security provided
- Authentication required to use these signatures
- Compliance that each signature abides by