What is a digital signature?
Digital working is now the norm in most companies – New Work has long been more than just a buzzword. However, document security, traceability and legal compliance continue to play a major role. An important link between maximum flexibility and reliable compliance is the digital signature: it is a secure method for signing documents electronically. Just like conventional signatures on paper, it guarantees authenticity and also the integrity of all data and information – but digitally and without anyone having to sign a document by hand at a specific time and place.
Based on asymmetric cryptography, the digital signature enables the unique identification of the signatory and protects against subsequent changes to the signed document. It also forms the basis for end-to-end digital processing without media discontinuity. This means that documents no longer have to be physically transferred from one signatory to another and many processes can be significantly accelerated as a result.
The areas of application for digital signatures are extensive
Banks
- Banks
- Insurances
- Auditor
- Healthcare
- Industry
- Authorities
- Public administration
Documents
- Applications
- Offers
- Contracts
- Protocols
- Service Level Agreements
- License agreements
- Annual financial statements
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If you have any further questions about digital signatures, please ask our experts.
How do digital signatures differ from online signatures and electronic signatures?
Digital signatures, electronic signatures and online signatures are often used interchangeably. However, while “electronic signature” is a legal definition that covers the electronic signature process in general, “digital signature” refers to the technical encryption process behind the electronic signature. Online signatures can be a form of electronic signature that is executed online.
Your advantages of a digital signature
- Avoidance of media discontinuities
- Optimization of processes
- Ensuring traceability, transparency and compliance
- Cost savings due to reduced printing and shipping requirements
- Save time when signing documents
- Conserving resources through reduced paper consumption
- Improving security
- Increase in customer satisfaction
The different types of electronic signatures
Simple electronic signature (EES)
The simple electronic signature (EES) is the most basic form of electronic signature. It includes any electronic data that indicates consent or approval, such as scanned signatures or ticked boxes in online forms.
This type of signature offers a simple and cost-effective solution for many digital processes without the need for complex implementations. However, it only offers limited legal certainty due to the lack of identity verification of the signatory. It is sufficient for routine processes where reliable authenticity verification is not absolutely necessary, such as orders in an internal merchandise management system or registration for company services.
Advanced electronic signature (FES)
Anadvanced electronic signature (AES ) is subject to significantly stricter requirements compared to simple electronic signatures. It requires verified identification of the signatory, for example through digital certificates from recognized service providers, which ensures a high level of authenticity.
The signatory has full control over the signature creation process and has sole access to the required keys or passwords. The involvement of a recognized service provider is required. A documented advanced electronic signature is considered evidence in the event of a legal dispute and offers a high level of security for contracts and agreements. It is used in particular for confidential business agreements, sensitive internal documents or documents in internal approval processes.
Qualified electronic signature (QES)
A qualified electronic signature (QES) offers the highest level of security and trust. It requires the use of special, certified devices or services after prior personal identification. The identity of the signatory is verified in person with an official ID document at a trust service provider or via a video identification procedure.
Legally, it is equivalent to a handwritten signature and therefore fulfills the requirements of legal formalities. A QES is particularly essential for the conclusion of contracts with significant financial or legal implications, such as the purchase of real estate or the formal registration of company data.
In practice: How does a digital signature work?
Digital signatures are based on asymmetric cryptography, which guarantees the authenticity and integrity of the information in question. The signature is generated by an encryption process that checks whether the signature originates from the specified author (authenticity) and whether the document has not been subsequently changed (integrity).
With the nscale solution, it is possible to integrate digital signatures into existing systems and applications and thus fully map digital processes. This avoids additional manual effort, creates maximum user satisfaction and ensures that teams can really work when, where and how they want.
What is a digitization platform?
The legal basis for digital signatures is the EU regulation eIDAS (Electronic Identification And Trust Services), which came into force in 2016. It is binding for all EU member states and the European Economic Area. The regulation defines the legal framework and sets out the requirements for the individual forms of digital signatures.
Simple and efficient: digital signatures are no longer a problem with nscale
nscale offers a user-friendly platform for the seamless integration of digital signatures into existing systems. Start your digital transformation with nscale and experience the benefits of an efficient, paperless working environment.
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Ceyoniq Technology GmbH is a group company of Kyocera Document Solutions.
Ceyoniq Technology GmbH
Boulevard 9 | 33613 Bielefeld
Together we develop strong ideas and implement tailor-made and individual solutions for companies and public administrations – contact us, we look forward to hearing from you!
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