E signature technology accelerates many workflows in documentation that reduce delays and also save money by decreasing postage, paper and faxing. It also reduces the time required to distribute documents to signers, and makes it easier for them to be signed remotely.
A simple electronic signature is an image of a typed or handwritten name that is attached to digital documents. These types of eSignatures do not verify the authenticity of the person signing it or include any security or encryption features. A more advanced eSignature uses verification technology to create an encrypted hash of the signature data, and then connect it to a public key that is associated with the signature’s electronic identification. The recipient can decrypt the hash, compare it to the public key, and confirm that the signature has not been altered since it was signed.
A company can increase the security of electronic signatures by implementing additional verification methods, such as passwords, two factor authentication and biometrics. These is McAfee livesafe any good more sophisticated forms are employed when there is greater chance that the authenticity of the signature will be challenged.
Agencies should give special consideration to long-term, electronically-signed records that preserve legal rights. Records that are electronically signed may require a longer software life cycle, and it is crucial to ensure that a records integrity is maintained during any upgrade or migration process. NARA’s guidance for records scheduling can assist agencies in determining the appropriate retention period for these records.