What is an Electronic Signature?

An electronic signature generally refers to a signature that is inputted into a text document through electronic means. The text document can then be created as a PDF by using an available PDF writer such as Sonic PDF Creator.

An electronic signature is just like an ink signature on a paper document. When you sign a physical document, you officially bind your consent and confirm to the contents of the document. In other words, the signing of a document implies a contract.

Thus, the signing of an electronic message identifies the signer as the source of the message; and also indicates an authorization of the information contained in the message by the sender.

The electronic signature may come in different forms. They may include typed names, a click in a dialog box (ie. an acceptance to “terms and agreements” pop up boxes), or a digital picture of a handwritten signature. These transactions are instances of an electronic signature in that you consent or confirm to something.

Features

• Acts to ensure that the document has not been changed once it has been signed. When a change is made, the signature is invalid.
• Just like hand written signatures (wet signatures), it’s permanently attached to a document.
• With electronic signatures you can sign and seal digital documents.

Disadvantages

• Electronic signatures aren’t the same as a digital signatures, where a document is encrypted with a certificate. There is no solid assurance of the sender’s identity.
• Because using an electronic signature may mean using a graphic image of a signature – which can't be validated, it can’t really be used for checking the legitimacy of a document being sent.