Using the SignNow PKI Technology for Secure eSignatures

What are digital signatures?

Digital signatures are often used in highly regulated industries and regions to ensure that an authorized sender has signed a document and it was not modified in transit. A digital signature is generated using a trusted digital ID, aka a digital certificate or public key certificate. An accredited Certificate Authority (CA) issues a digital certificate after validating the requestor's identity.

How does digital signing work?

Digital signatures use the public-key cryptography method to generate a pair of private and public keys, included in a digital certificate. When a signer adds their digital signature using a private key, the digital certificate is also cryptographically bound to a document. During the verification process, the linked public key decrypts a signature, ensuring its authenticity and validity.

What is a PKI?

Public Key Infrastructure is a security technology that enables digital signature processes. PKI consists of the roles, policies, procedures, and systems needed to create digital signatures, administer digital certificates, and manage public keys. PKI facilitates the trusted electronic identities for individuals or institutions with digital certificates and a Certificate Authority.

How to send a document for signature using PKI

Upload a document to your airSlate SignNow account and open it in the editor. Drag and drop fillable fields and assign roles.

Click SAVE AND INVITE once your document is ready for sending.

Add recipient emails, set the signing order, and check the box Send using GlobalSign PKI signature.

Note: only eligible organizations can send documents using the PKI technology. Contact us for details.

How to add a secure digital signature under PKI requirements

Once you receive a signature request, click to open a document and add your digital signature in seconds. You can draw, type, or upload an image of your signature.

How to view a digital certificate

Once every signer has signed your document, you can download it and view the digital certificate. To open a digital certificate, open your signed document in Adobe Acrobat Reader®. Click on the digital signature and select Signature Properties > Show Signer’s Certificate.