Electronic signatures, or e-signatures, collect information that validates the identity of the people signing the document. Depending on the document, organizations need to consider the following when using e-signatures:
Some documents are more important, so the e-signature needs to meet all four requirements. In other cases, a combination of in-person knowledge or previous contact means that the type of e-signature used may not need to meet all four of the listed requirements.
In addition, geographic location and legal requirements can also impact the type of e-signature a company uses. Some countries have strict requirements for how a company validates a signatory while others are more relaxed.
SES is not only the easiest type of e-signature to manage but also provides the least validation. An SES is basically just electronic data sent to or associated with other information that someone signs. For example, this could be a PDF that the user downloads, makes a copy of, signs, and sends back via email. These do not include a PKI.
Typically, companies use an SES in cases where they don’t need to verify a person’s identity and believe that the signature is authentic. They’re often used for low-risk documents so the recipient can acknowledge that they read and understood the document.
An AES uses a Certificate Authority (CA) to identify and validate signers. Usually, a company uses a delivery service provider that creates audit trails with evidence about the transaction.
A company uses AES when it needs some level of visibility and documentation across authenticity, identity, authentication, and integrity.
QES is for situations where a company must have documentation across authenticity, identity, authentication, and integrity. It provides the highest level of assurance.
This e-signature requires:
PAdES is an acronym that stands for PDF Advanced Electronic Signatures. Digital PDFs have become the trusted option for numerous individuals and companies worldwide because manually signing physical documents is not flexible or efficient enough.
PAdES is a technical standard for PDF documents and refers to restrictions and extensions for electronic signatures inside a PDF document. Essential to the workflow of corporate documents, it allows you to put a unique, secure digital stamp on your work.
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