Signatures for Electronic Data
The identity of a sender and integrity or originality of the data they sent can be verified and confirmed by the use of electronic signatures Application for the electronic signature is easy and can be done online through websites of service providers by interested clients. Users can easily recover lost passwords for free from the service providers and the need to install the signatures is not necessary for the client since it is installed remotely by the services providers.
Electronic signatures are used to do the same thing as a physical signature on paper provided they meet the set of requirements laid down by the authorizing body. Digital signatures are different from electronic signatures in that they are the mechanisms used for implementing and facilitating the operation of the electronic signatures. Most jurisdictions require an electronic signature to meet some specifications in including identifying and linking the signatory to the signature. It is also expected that the signatory be the only one possessing and controlling the key used to create the electronic signature and this key is called a private key. In case the data accompanying the signature after the signature was created is modified or messed with, the signature must be able to identify despite this. The validity of the electronic signature is to be revoked when the accompanying data is changed.
Simple electronic signature is one form of these signatures and is defined as electronic data logically associated or attached to other electronic data used to sign by the sender or signatory and things like names written under an electronic form can be said to be an electronic signature when using this type of signature. Electronic signatures capable of linking and associating the data to the signatory and that enables the signatory to have control as well as able to detect alterations to the document after being sent are referred to as advanced electronic signatures. A qualified electronic signature includes more features like it has to be created by a device that is qualified to create signatures like smartcards, sim cards and others and it uses qualified certificate which is provided by providers authorized by the necessary authorities for the electronic signature.
Electronic signatures can be used to sign contracts like insurance and sales, to sign transactions mostly online transaction and for many more reasons. The benefits of using electronic signatures include improved convenience for those using it, time-saving, the privacy of users is respected, they are legally accepted worldwide and also saves on cost. Companies that make privacy issues a high priority for their clients are preferable when choosing which company to buy the electronic signatures from.