{"id":920,"date":"2021-01-07T17:12:00","date_gmt":"2021-01-07T11:42:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogrevv.revv.so\/?p=920"},"modified":"2022-08-23T18:29:37","modified_gmt":"2022-08-23T12:59:37","slug":"what-does-an-electronic-signature-look-like","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.revv.so\/blog\/what-does-an-electronic-signature-look-like\/","title":{"rendered":"What Does an Electronic Signature Look Like?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you have had to complete any online forms recently, there is a better than fair chance that you have used an electronic signature, perhaps without even really knowing it. There are multiple standards for electronic signatures, and the term has different meanings in different contexts. To explain what that means, let\u2019s explain the different types of electronic signatures (plus learn what digital signatures are since they\u2019re also relevant here).  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While most electronic signature services nearly serve the same purpose, the added advantages of security, speed, convenience, and cost-efficiency varies from solution to solution. The hardware and software requirements for each might vary as well. Today we will learn all about the different types of eSignatures, how they impact your organization and how a solution like Revv can augment your business productivity. Let\u2019s get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this blog<\/td><\/tr>
1. Different types of electronic signatures<\/a>
1.1 Simple electronic signature<\/a>
1.2 Digital signature<\/a>
1.3 Advanced electronic signature<\/a>
1.4 Qualified electronic signature<\/a><\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
2. Common threads<\/a><\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
3. Electronic signing solutions with Revv<\/a>
3.1 Different electronic signature possibilities<\/a>
3.2 Flexible review and approval system<\/a>
3.3 Collaborate with teams<\/a>
3.4 Fully compliant and secure electronic signatures<\/a>
3.5 Tamper-proof and legally admissible audit trail<\/a>
3.6 Keep documents safe with recipient authentications<\/a>
3.7 Real-time notification and tracking<\/a><\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
4. Revv: the complete document automation tool<\/a>
4.1 Seamless app integrations<\/a>
4.2 Map complex data with Data Studio<\/a>
4.3 Automate workflows with Pipeline<\/a><\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
5. Takeaways<\/a><\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
6. Frequently asked questions<\/a><\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Different types of electronic signatures<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Simple electronic signature<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When thinking of electronic signatures<\/a>, most people immediately think of one of those boxes where you sign your name with a stylus or your finger. It requires a literal signature on an electronic device. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The standard eSignature can look like this, or it can eliminate the actual signing step by requiring you to type out your full name as a substitute for signing. It is even possible to click I agree<\/strong> or I accept<\/strong> in lieu of typing out your name, although this isn\u2019t really a full signature for legal purposes (it\u2019s actually known as a clickwrap signature<\/strong>, but more on that later). Once you have \u2018signed\u2019 these forms<\/a>, the form will show a generic handwriting style font with a note that it was electronically signed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Typically, this is for business documents that you would need a certain degree of security to access, either via secure log-on or perhaps a secure link in an email or text (where the access to the link acts as your log-in). Of all the versions of eSignature, this is the most often used, because it doesn\u2019t require extreme extra steps for security. With that being said, it still provides a high degree of safety and is fully trusted to protect your data in all but the highest security environments. If you\u2019re looking for something more secure, though, read on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking for great electronic signature software to sign your documents? <\/strong>
Revv is your best bet!<\/strong><\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

2. Digital signature<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A digital signature is a more secure form of electronic signature<\/a> than a simple eSignature. It utilizes an algorithm to verify that the signature was accurate, to begin with, and that it has not been tampered with during transit from person to person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Digital signatures are not really hackable because they are algorithmically controlled, so they are ideal for environments where someone might try to access private data, such as account information or government documents. It is often utilized for government systems and banking where the identity verification of the person needs to be above par, and it could cause great harm if the signatures were tampered with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Advanced electronic signature<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Advanced electronic signature (AES) is a sub-type of digital signature that adds a higher degree of complexity. It is not necessarily more secure than other forms of a digital signature as far as tamper resistance of the file itself. AES is more about ensuring the person who initiates the transaction is who they say they are. To quote and paraphrase the European Union\u2019s eIDAS<\/a> guidelines:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. It is uniquely linked to the signer;<\/li>
  2. It is capable of identifying the signer;<\/li>
  3. It is created using electronic signature creation data that the signer can, with a high level of confidence, use under his sole control; and<\/li>
  4. It is linked to the data signed therewith in such a way that any subsequent change in the data is detectable.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    In simple language, AES has to be connected directly to the person signing, and they should be the only person with access to it, so the data should be safe after signing. Not all of these elements are unique to AES, but they are all required at this level of security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Start your electronic signature journey with Revv. <\/strong>
    No risk, no credit card required. <\/strong>Schedule a free demo with our experts!<\/strong><\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    4. Qualified electronic signature<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Qualified Electronic Signature (QES) utilizes the security features of AES but also adds a specialized personal verification device. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This device ensures that the signer is the only person who can use their access and confirms that they are the person who is signing. This is the only one to be considered as secure as a handwritten signature across all EU states, where wet-signature<\/a> standards are still the norm. If eSigning is the equivalent of a wet signature, and a digital signature is the equivalent of a fingerprint, then QES would be comparable to a DNA sample being attached to the document.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Common threads<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    While understanding the different levels of eSignatures may be relevant depending on your industry, the simple fact is that all types of eSignatures are secure enough for the vast majority of transactions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In order to refute an eSigned contract in a court of law, someone would have to make a very compelling case that someone else signed on their behalf. Since all electronically signed transactions are trackable, it is relatively easy to demonstrate the chain of custody on eSigned documents. The timestamp and email thread verification of eSignature documents also provide additional security for the verification of signatures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Unless you are in one of the very limited industries that require one of the digital signature formats, simple eSignatures will be more than adequate. All digital key security processes are very industry-specific and completely unnecessary for most eSigning needs. This makes finding an eSigning solution<\/a> relatively simple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    An electronic signature will be clearly eSigned on finalized documents unless you have set the document up to have a sign-on-screen option. US courts have ruled that eSigned documents are as legally binding as a wet signature. Electronically signed documents generally are not printed unless needed for a court filing. At the time it becomes needed for legal action, these digitally stored files are intact and current. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If legal action becomes necessary a digitally stored eSigned document is considered a more original document than a photocopied hand-signed document. The traceability of electronically signed documents also guarantees an accurate accounting of time and date stamping. You can utilize eSignatures for employment contracts<\/a>, non-disclosure agreements, partnership agreements, and sales contracts among others. These eSigned documents can be accessed at any time by all parties to the agreement, as long as you are using a cloud-based eSignature software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Want to see how Revv can power up your eSignature workflows?<\/strong>
    Start a free trial today<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Electronic signing solutions with Revv<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Electronic signature systems are plentiful nowadays. While having a safe, secure, and trustworthy electronic signature is essential, it’s also critical to choose a solution that is both economical and user-friendly. Moreover, the solution you choose shouldn\u2019t disrupt your business processes, but rather act as a segue from one to another. If you want an eSignature solution to quickly sign contracts, agreements, estimates, invoices, or other essential documents legally, with the pain of all the document-related processes handled, Revv is a great option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Let’s take a look at advanced electronic signature solutions offered by Revv.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Different electronic signature possibilities<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    With Revv you can add as many signers as you want in a document. Revv eSignatures are safe and follows all global and local <\/a>regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Request<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Be it any kind of document you create, Revv gives the recipients the flexibility to choose from different types of eSignature options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n