Handwritten signatures are an interesting idea. Since it is something we reproduce over and over, it will always be slightly different. Even after trying hardest 100 times and take the two which look the closest, a computer could probably distinguish between each and every one of them – a signature is inherently unique every time it is made.
Beyond using evidence like other handwritten languages on other parts of a piece of paper which is signed, it is hard to be certain that this signature is not fraudulent. Some more obvious proofs of ownership can be unreasonable requirements in certain circumstances.
Many document-based business processes in all sectors require signatures, such as the approval of contracts, invoices, PO’s, HR documents, proposals etc. Physical signatures tend to slow these processes down because of their dependence on the physical exchange of paper.
Another constraint arises is fraudulent signing or change in the data, access of data by other authorities etc.
In Simple words, a Physical signature is easily accessible, changeable, tampered and is too inconvenient in today’s era.
Whereas a Digital Signature is highly standardized and accepted. A digital signature essentially links a “fingerprint” of the document at the time of signing with an identity credential (a digital certificate), and the result is permanently embedded into the document.
With digital signatures, forgery is next to impossible – much more difficult than forging a handwritten signature. A digital signature is more of a process than just affixing a signature. Like when the document is “digitally signed,” the digital software scans the document and creates a calculation which represents the document. This calculation becomes part of the “digital signature.” When the recipient authenticates the signature, a similar process is carried out. The sender’s and the receiver’s calculations are then compared. If the results are the same, the signature is valid; if they are different, the signature is not valid.
Hence a digital signature proves no fraud or tampering has taken place. The signature can also provide other information like who opened each document and when they signed. Because digital signatures are based on industry and international standards, signed documents contain all of the evidence you’d need to prove its authenticity.
Due to Global acceptance, a digital signature can always be accessed on Long-term and retained for over a long period of time.
With the highest security, convenience and lower cost, digital signatures become the right choice for businesses to ensure higher workflow efficiency and customer satisfaction.
