Digital signatures vs Electronic signatures

Among all the procedures that have been digitized, there is also the signing of documents. If before the signature was only produced in writing and in person, now the digitization of signatures is a day-to-day thing. The pandemic, without a doubt, accelerated the adoption of this type of solution, since companies had to find a way to continue with their businesses without being able to meet or work in person.

But are digital signatures and electronic signatures the same?

When we talk about digital signatures, it is a digital signature – as its name indicates – that is made by means of an electronic device. It is an encrypted process, which cannot be violated. Each signatory will be able to access the document by means of passwords and authentication mechanisms to guarantee maximum security when stamping the digital signature.

In contrast, an electronic signature “allows a person to consent to or show approval of the content of a document. Electronic signatures can take several forms: the person's typed name, an uploaded image of the person's cursive signature, or a signature drawn on the screen of a smartphone or tablet. Some electronic signatures use digital identifiers to verify that the person signing a document is who they say they are”, they explained on the BOX portal.

And they emphasize the differences of each term: “The terms digital signature and electronic signature may seem synonymous, but they are not the same and should not be confused. One way to understand the difference is that all digital signatures are a type of electronic signature, but not all electronic signatures are digital signatures.

“In its simplest form, an electronic signature provides a way for someone to attach their name to a document. Digital signatures go a step further and confirm that the person signing is who they say they are.