E signature technology speeds up a number of documents, reducing time during the review process and saving money on postage and paper, as well as faxing. It also reduces the amount of time needed to distribute documents to signers, and makes it easier for them to be signed online.

A simple electronic signature is a picture of a handwritten or typed name that is attached to digital documents. These kinds of eSignatures cannot verify the identity of the signer, nor do they include any authentication 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 associated with the signer’s electronic ID. The recipient can then decrypt the hash and then compare it to the public key to verify that the document has not been altered in any way since it was signed.

A company can enhance the security of http://vpnssoft.net/mcafee-lifesafe-and-why-you-should-go-for-it electronic signatures using additional authentication methods, including passwords, two factor authentication and biometrics. These more sophisticated types of eSignatures are utilized in situations where there is a greater risk that the signature’s validity could be challenged.

Agencies should give special consideration to long-term, electronically-signed records that preserve legal rights. These records could require longer software cycles, and it’s important to maintain the integrity of records during any upgrade or migration processes. NARA’s guidelines for scheduling records can help agencies determine the appropriate timeframe for archiving these records.