E signature technology speeds up many documents, reducing delays and saving money by cutting down on postage, paper and the need for faxing. It also reduces the time it takes to distribute documents to signers and increases the ease at which they can be signed from remote locations.
A standard electronic signature is an image of a handwritten or typed name that is attached to digital documents. These types of eSignatures do not verify the identity of the signer or include any authentication or encryption features. A more sophisticated eSignature utilizes verification technology to create an encrypted hash of signature data and link it to a public-key associated with the signer’s electronic ID. The recipient is able to decrypt the hash and then compare it with the public key to ensure that the document was not altered since it was signed.
A company can improve the security of electronic signatures using additional methods for verification, such as passwords two factor authentication, passwords and biometrics. These more sophisticated forms are used when there’s more risk that the authenticity of the signature could be challenged.
Agencies should give special consideration to long-term, electronically-signed records that preserve legal rights. Records vpnssoft.net/avg-secure-vpn-how-to-download-for-windows-pc that are electronically signed may require a longer life cycle and it is essential to ensure that a records integrity is maintained during any migration or upgrade processes. NARA’s guidelines for scheduling records can help agencies to determine the appropriate period of retention for these records.