Explore Your Digital Signature – Questions Answered: How Does a Digital Signature Work?

Quick-start guide: how does a digital signature work?

airSlate SignNow electronic signature is a powerful service for simplifying data collection, contract negotiation, external and internal interaction, and streamlining decision-making processes. Signing documents in electronic format is easy for teams, partners and customers, and it helps your company eliminate paper waste and unnecessary spending budget.

Follow the steps below and find out how does a digital signature work?:

1. Launch your web browser and access signnow.com.
2. Subscribe for a free trial run or log in using your email or Google/Facebook credentials.
3. Select User Avatar -> My Account at the top-right corner of the webpage.
4. Customize your User Profile by adding personal data and changing configurations.
5. Create and manage your Default Signature(s).
6. Get back to the dashboard webpage.
7. Hover over the Upload and Create button and select the appropriate option.
8. Click the Prepare and Send key next to the document's title.
9. Type the name and email address of all signers in the pop-up box that opens.
10. Use the Start adding fields menu to proceed to modify document and self sign them.
11. Click on SAVE AND INVITE when completed.
12. Continue to fine-tune your eSignature workflow using more features.

How does a digital signature work? is an excellent question and one that airSlate SignNow is the answer to. Check the function you and your team are looking for delighting your customers and companions with a better way of doing business. eSign your first contract right now!

What is a digital signature?

A digital signature is a secure, electronic version of a handwritten signature. It uses cryptographic techniques to ensure the authenticity and integrity of a document. When a user signs a document digitally, a unique code is generated based on the content of the document and the signer's private key. This code is then attached to the document, creating a digital fingerprint that verifies the signer’s identity and confirms that the document has not been altered after signing.

How to complete the digital signature process

To complete a digital signature using airSlate SignNow, follow these steps:

1. Upload the document you need to sign.
2. Use the fill and sign feature to add your signature and any other required information.
3. Once completed, send the document for signature to other parties, if necessary.
4. After all signatures are collected, the final document will be securely stored and can be accessed anytime.

Legal use of digital signatures

In the United States, digital signatures are legally recognized under the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce (ESIGN) Act and the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA). These laws establish that electronic signatures hold the same legal weight as traditional handwritten signatures, provided that both parties consent to use electronic methods. This legal framework allows businesses to streamline processes while ensuring compliance.

Key elements of a digital signature

Several key elements contribute to the effectiveness of a digital signature:

• Authentication: Confirms the identity of the signer.
• Integrity: Ensures that the document has not been altered after signing.
• Non-repudiation: Prevents the signer from denying their signature on the document.
• Compliance: Adheres to legal standards set by relevant laws.

Security and compliance guidelines

When using digital signatures, it is essential to follow security and compliance guidelines to protect sensitive information:

• Use strong encryption methods to safeguard documents.
• Ensure that all parties involved in the signing process are verified.
• Maintain an audit trail that records all actions taken on the document.
• Regularly review and update security protocols to address emerging threats.

Examples of using digital signatures

Digital signatures are widely used across various industries and applications:

• Real Estate: Signing lease agreements and property sales contracts.
• Finance: Approving loan documents and investment agreements.
• Healthcare: Authorizing patient consent forms and medical records.
• Human Resources: Finalizing employment contracts and policy acknowledgments.

Sending and signing methods

With airSlate SignNow, users can send and sign documents through various methods:

• Web: Access the platform from any browser to manage documents.
• Mobile: Use the mobile app for on-the-go signing and document management.
• Integration: Connect with other tools like Google Docs or Dropbox for seamless workflows.