E signature technology can speed up a variety of processes in document management which reduces delays and saves money by reducing postage, paper, and the faxing process. It also reduces the time it takes to distribute documents to signers and improves the ease at which they can be signed from remote locations.

A standard electronic signature is an image of a typed or handwritten name that is attached to digital documents. These types of eSignatures don’t verify the identity of the signer or contain any authentication or encryption features. An eSignature that is more advanced uses verification technology free trial nordvpn to create an encrypted hash of signature data and link it to a public key associated with the signer’s electronic identification. The recipient can decrypt the hash, check it with the public key and verify that the signature hasn’t been altered since it was signed.

An agency may employ additional verification methods to improve the security of eSignatures, including passwords biometrics, two-factor authentication and biometrics. These more sophisticated forms of eSignatures are used in cases where there is a greater chance that the validity of the signature could be challenged.

Agencies should give special consideration to long-term, electronically-signed records that preserve legal rights. Records that are electronically signed may require a longer life cycle, and it is crucial to ensure that the records integrity is maintained during any upgrade or migration process. The guidance provided by NARA on records scheduling can assist agencies in determining appropriate timeframes to keep these records.