Do you know the purpose of digitized signatures? Technology advances have encouraged companies to digitize their documents. Indeed, digitized signatures offer users the possibility to easily add a signature to a digital document, although, on the other hand, the level of security they offer is very low.
What are digitized signatures?
The digitized signature is the most basic and primitive version of the digital signature. This is the traditional signature on a piece of paper, which is then scanned and embedded in the document. This can also be done with the mouse or trackpad, saving the image on the device in .jpg or .png format to be used whenever necessary. In addition, there are intuitive free mobile apps designed for this purpose.
We can consider this a simple electronic signature, since it does not collect enough evidence to identify the signer. As a result, it is a less secure option than other alternatives, as anyone can forge a signature without prior consent.
Greater usability while sacrificing security
Once we have understood the concept of digitized signatures, it is clear that they can easily be forged. Unfortunately, nowadays the user prefers usability and simplicity of solutions, while downplaying the importance of the level of security offered, so citizens prefer this way to eSign any type of document.
That said, despite of the disadvantages above mentioned, currently they still hold up in court as they comply with the basic requirements of a simple electronic signature. Although we recommend other ways to sign documents securely with greater legal guarantees that allow to uniquely identify and link the signer.
Legally binding alternatives, with greater legal evidence and valid in any court of law.
In compliance with eIDAS Regulation guidelines, Viafirma has developed other solutions that are legally binding, with greater legal evidence and valid in any court of law in the event of repudiation, thus fulfilling the requirements to be considered advanced electronic signatures.
Lets take a deep dive into some of our eSignatures:
- Biometric signature. The best alternative to the digitized signature. A handwritten signature drawn on tablets or pads using a stylus pen capable of collecting a wealth of biometric data.
- SMS OTP. One-time-password text message sent to the signatory’s cell phone number, allowing to sign documents anywhere.
- Digital certificate signature. The user must have a certificate issued by a Trust Service Provider that verifies the signature and his/her identity.
- Cloud signature. The user may use their certificate stored on a secure server (HSM) that can be accessed from any device whenever they wish to sign a document digitally.
Specific electronic signature platforms. Secure all your operations.
Legally speaking, a handwritten signature that has been scanned and embedded in a document cannot be compared to one that uses specific eSignature platforms like the ones offered by Viafirma.
Viafirma Documents allow users to add legal evidence to the signing process, therefore increasing the security of the signed document.
Evidence available are OTP signature, qualified timestamping, utterance, video, photo, location of the signer among others.