How is an electronic signature different from a digital signature?
Today, most people equate an electronic signature with the legal standards set by ESIGN, GPEA, UETA and other legislations. The legal requirements for electronic signatures change depending on the specific piece of legislation that is being discussed. On the other hand, a digital signature is a well known concept in the field of data security whereby a digital fingerprint of the original data, i.e., a unique large number that is generated from the original data, is calculated. This number has the beneficial characteristic that it cannot be recreated if the original data is modified. The resultant digital fingerprint is then encoded with a private key to prove it was created by the user This system provides for both electronic signature AND digital signature capabilities. Document transactions that incorporate the USPS® EPM® seal are authenticated using, among other things, a digital signing certificate issued by a trusted certificate authority.
Related Questions
- What considerations should be taken into account when choosing a digital signature (standard electronic signature) solution that will maximize the business benefits of moving to a paperless environment?
- What is better from a legal standpoint, an electronic signature or a digital signature?
- What is the difference between an electronic signature and a digital signature?
