E signature technology can speed up a variety of documents that reduce delays and also save money by reductions in postage, paper and the need for faxing. It also reduces the time it takes to distribute documents for signers, and increases the ease with which they can be signed from remote locations.

An electronic signature is a picture of a handwritten or typed name that is attached to digital documents. These types of eSignatures don’t verify the identity of the signer, nor do they include any authentication or encryption features. A more sophisticated eSignature employs verification technology to create an encrypted hash of signature data, and then connect it to a public vpn2 safelink key associated with the signature’s electronic identification. The recipient can decrypt the hash and compare it to the public key and confirm that the document has not been tampered since it was signed.

An agency can also employ other verification methods to improve the security of eSignatures, including passwords biometrics, two-factor authentication and biometrics. These more sophisticated types of eSignatures can be used in cases where there is a greater probability that the authenticity of a signature will be challenged.

Agencies should give special consideration to long-term, electronically-signed records that preserve legal rights. These records may need an extended software cycle and it’s vital to maintain the integrity of a record during any migration or upgrading processes. The guidelines for scheduling records from NARA can help agencies decide the proper retention period for these records.