Digital Signature Software
Digital signature software streamlines the process of signing documents, increases efficiency and data integrity. It can also help reduce shipping, printing, and travel costs while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. It could also be used as a replacement to traditional handwritten signatures.
If an individual signs a document with an electronic signature (e-sig) or digital signature the system will create an individual data version of that file, known as its cryptographic hash, which is then encrypted using that signer’s private key and then incorporated into the document as a part of the digital signature. This ensures that the original document isn’t altered, thereby breaking the digital signature. This tamper-evident technology gives all parties to an exchange the ability to trust the integrity of the document and also prove that the signer is actually signing it.
To protect against tampering, many digital signature solutions utilize hardware-based security tools like HSMs (Hardware Security Modules) which are designed to protect signing keys and other sensitive information related to the digital signature process. This makes sure that even if a computer of the signer’s compromised, a hacker cannot gain access to the private key used to sign documents on the signer’s behalf.
Some digital signature software includes audit trails that provide complete records of the signing process. This helps in the investigation of security issues and unauthorized access. The majority of systems also provide notification features to keep all stakeholders updated on the status of documents. This reduces delays and uncertainty.