Are electronic signatures safe? Many people ask this when handling contracts, agreements, or other important documents. The answer is yes; e-signatures can be highly secure. Their safety relies on encryption, authentication methods, and tamper-evident technology that protect both signer identity and document integrity.
However, vulnerabilities can arise if a platform lacks proper security measures. In this guide, we will explain what makes electronic signatures secure and highlight the essential and advanced features to look for in a reliable e-signature platform.
Key Takeaways
- Electronic signatures are highly secure when supported by encryption, authentication, and tamper-evident seals that ensure signer identity and document integrity.
- Security features, such end-to-end encryption, multi-factor authentication, and SOC 2 or ISO 27001 certifications, protect e-signed files throughout their lifecycle.
- Compared to traditional signatures, e-signatures provide better audit trails, encrypted storage, and automated proof of authenticity, reducing risks of forgery and loss.
- PDF.net offers a simple, browser-based signing tool with AES-128 encryption and automatic document deletion for added security and privacy.
How Does Electronic Signature Security Work?
E-signature security refers to the process of ensuring the integrity, authenticity, and legality of e-signatures. It involves multiple layers of protection to confirm that a signature truly belongs to the signer and that the document has not been altered after it was signed. Usually, there is an electronic record, a certificate of completion, and a tamper-evident seal.
#1. Electronic Record
Every e-signature generates a secure electronic record of the transaction. It includes essential details, such as the signer's identity, the date and time, and the actions taken on the document. Electronic records act as proof in case of disputes and are often stored in encrypted formats to prevent unauthorized access.
#2. Certificates of Completion
A certificate of completion is issued by an e-signature platform once a document is signed. It provides an audit trail, which includes details like the IP addresses, timestamps, and authentication methods used. As with an electronic record, a certificate of completion can be used to prove that a document was properly signed.
#3. Tamper-Evident Seal
A tamper-evident seal ensures that the document can’t be modified after signing without detection. So, once a document is signed, any changes made to it will invalidate the signature. With a tamper-evident seal, you can rest assured that, even later down the road, the content remains exactly as when it was signed.
Electronic Signature vs. Traditional (Wet) Signature
Being familiar with the key electronic signature vs. wet signature differences, in terms of security, can help businesses and individuals choose the method that best suits their needs. Below is a brief breakdown of how they compare:
Feature | Electronic signature | Traditional signature |
|---|---|---|
Authentication | Multi-factor authentication, email verification, or secure login | Visual comparison of handwriting or ID verification |
Integrity | Tamper-evident technology alerts to any changes post-signing | Vulnerable to forgery or undetected alterations |
Audit trail | Automatic audit trail with timestamps, IP addresses, and document history | Manual record-keeping; limited proof if disputed |
Storage security | Encrypted digital storage, access control, and backup | Physical storage can be lost, damaged, or accessed by unauthorized persons |
Legal acceptance | Recognized in most countries under electronic signature laws | Universally recognized but may require notarization for legal disputes |
Which Security Features to Look for in E-Signature Platforms
Here are the specific security features to look for in e-signature platforms:
Essential Security Features
Essential security features include end-to-end encryption requirements, multi-factor authentication options, and compliance certifications. Let’s take a closer look at all of these:
- End-to-end encryption requirements. These safeguard e-signed documents from the moment they are uploaded until they are stored. You should look for a platform that uses encrypted electronic signature protocols like AES-128, AES-256, and TLS 1.3. The platform should also provide information about its key management practices, including how encryption keys are generated, stored, and rotated to maintain security over time.
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA) options. These are additional ways to confirm that only the intended signer can get access. Some common options are SMS codes, authenticator application codes, hardware security keys, and biometric e-signature verification. A reliable e-signature platform should allow you to implement different MFA options based on your document’s sensitivity.
- Compliance certifications. These demonstrate that the platform meets rigorous security standards. SOC 2 validates that security controls are operating effectively over time, while ISO 27001 indicates comprehensive information security management systems. Additional certifications like HIPAA compliance for healthcare organizations or FedRAMP authorization for government agencies may be necessary, depending on your industry.
Advanced Security Options
Advanced security options include document tamper sealing, real-time fraud detection, advanced audit capabilities, and integration security protocols. Here is a breakdown of each:
- Document tamper sealing. This means creating cryptographic seals that detect any unauthorized changes to e-signed documents. Leveraging Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), they assign a digital fingerprint to each version and can identify even the most minor alterations. The e-signature platform that you choose should provide visual indicators and tamper reports, which can be legal evidence if document authenticity is ever questioned.
- Real-time fraud detection. If your e-signature platform has configurable fraud detection rules and real-time alerts, you can be notified of suspicious activity as it happens, instead of later on, when the damage has been done. It should flag unusual signing locations, abnormal timing patterns, or attempts to sign from compromised devices and prompt you to intervene.
- Advanced audit capabilities. An audit trail records every action taken on an e-signed document, such as timestamps, IP addresses, authentication methods, etc. More advanced features may include immutable logs, exportable audit reports, and integration with SIEM systems for centralized monitoring. These ensure accountability and can serve as evidence in case of disputes.
- Integration security protocols. These allow an e-signature platform to connect safely with existing business systems without creating security vulnerabilities. You should look for an e-signature platform that supports modern authentication protocols like OAuth 2.0 and SAML, provides API security features, and offers secure webhook delivery for real-time notifications.
Can I Sign Documents with PDF.net?
Yes, you can sign documents with PDF.net. Our browser-based tool offers a straightforward and secure way to add electronic signatures to PDF files without installing any software. This not only saves time but also reduces the risk of malware associated with downloads.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Go to PDF.net.
- Select Sign on the menu bar.
- Upload your document via the Drop file here to sign or Choose file.
After you upload your file, the platform will prompt you to insert your signature.
This intuitive design enables you to sign documents quickly without confusion, even if you don’t possess technical expertise.
Furthermore, PDF.net uses AES-128 to encrypt your documents. This level of encryption ensures that your files remain safe during the signing process. To further protect your privacy, this browser-based tool automatically deletes your documents after processing, which reduces the risk of unauthorized access.
Final Thoughts
Electronic signatures are generally safe thanks to encryption, authentication methods, and tamper-evident technology. When choosing an e-signature platform, make sure it has essential security features like end-to-end encryption, MFA options, and compliance certifications.
It is even better if it has advanced security features like real-time fraud detection. Take the time to select a trusted platform, so you can always sign documents confidently.
Are Electronic Signatures Safe FAQs
#1. Can electronic signatures be forged?
Electronic signatures typically can’t be forged because e-signature platforms use a combination of encryption, authentication, and tamper-evident technology to combat the risks of electronic signatures.
#2. How do I verify an e-signature?
To verify an e-signature, review the document’s audit trail, which records timestamps, IP addresses, and authentication methods. You can also request a certificate of completion to confirm the signature’s authenticity and ensure the document has not been altered after signing.
#3. Are e-signatures legally binding?
Yes, electronic signatures are legally binding in most countries under laws like ESIGN, UETA, and eIDAS. They carry the same weight as traditional signatures and are valid for contracts, agreements, and official documents.
#4. How do I know if an electronic signature is secure?
To know if an electronic signature is secure, look for features like end-to-end encryption, tamper-evident seals, two-factor authentication, and compliance certifications. Trusted e-signature providers store documents securely and offer automatic deletion to protect privacy and integrity.