Strengthening Digital Identity: The Role of eSignatures

Guest blog by Meg Clifford at Signable as part of our #UnlockingDigitalID campaign week 2024.

When we think of a signature, it’s usually the final step of a deal or an agreement. But with our ever-evolving digital world, that simple act has changed significantly. Today, eSignatures are part of a bigger conversation around digital identity, trust, and how we connect in this increasingly online world.

It’s more than just a signature

eSignatures are much more than a digital scribble. They represent your intent and commitment, holding the same weight as a traditional ink signature. Every time you use an eSignature, you're confirming your digital identity. It’s personal, it's secure, and it says, “Yes, it’s me.”

In a world where so much happens online, from banking to business deals, building a trusted digital identity is essential. eSignatures bridge the gap between virtual actions and real-world commitments, serving as declarations of authenticity that tie together online interactions and human intent.

So, what exactly is an eSignature? Simply put, it’s a fast, secure way of signing a digital document - whether by typing your name, using a stylus, or choosing an auto-generated signature. It’s legally binding and backed by solid security measures that verify who you are.

Security and trust

Digital identity all comes down to one word: trust. When we talk about eSignatures, we’re talking about building trust in a virtual world where you can't see the person on the other end. It's not just about the ‘how’ of signing; it's about the ‘who.’ How can we ensure the person signing is who they say they are? How do we keep transactions secure?

While various methods offer different levels of assurance, Simple Electronic Signatures (SES) remain a widely used and secure method for tracking the signing process, even though they don’t provide the same level of identity verification as more advanced methods. SES primarily rely on audit trails to maintain security. These trails create a detailed record of each step in the signing process, capturing information such as timestamps, IP addresses, and device details. This data provides a transparent overview of when and where a document was signed, which can be instrumental in detecting any unusual activity or potential tampering. While SES don’t definitively verify who signed a document, the combination of time, location, and device tracking offers a robust layer of traceability, helping to deter fraudulent activity.

The added bonus? It all happens seamlessly in the background. And when it comes to digital identity, trust is further reinforced by regulatory frameworks. In the UK, eSignatures must comply with regulations such as the Electronic Communications Act 2000 and the eIDAS Regulation. These rules are designed not just to give eSignatures their legal standing but also to provide a structured approach to verifying digital identity in transactions. They ensure that even with methods like simple electronic signatures, there are standards in place to safeguard the authenticity and integrity of digital identities. This compliance offers peace of mind to everyone involved, knowing that the transaction is secure, authentic, and aligned with a recognised legal framework.

Staying safe in the digital identity era

In the digital world, staying safe online is more important than ever. eSignatures play a key role by offering multiple layers of security. Most platforms require multi-factor authentication before a signature can be added, whether through a code sent to a phone or verification via email.

Encryption acts as the invisible guardian of data, ensuring that only intended recipients can access documents and flagging any tampering attempts. Digital certificates add yet another layer of security, linking each signature to a unique digital identity.

However, technology alone isn’t enough. Vigilance is crucial. Being mindful of phishing attacks and scams is just as important as the security features in place. Always verify the source of any documents requesting a signature and avoid sharing personal information unnecessarily. By sticking to reputable eSignature services, like Signable, and following common-sense practices, navigating this digital landscape safely is entirely possible.

Why eSignatures matter in today’s digital world

Speed and efficiency are necessities in our hyper-connected world. Think about it: how often do we transact digitally? Whether it's signing up for a service, closing a deal, or applying for a job, the paper-based way just doesn’t cut it. eSignatures cut through red tape, letting agreements be completed in minutes.

But there’s more to it than speed. eSignatures make things easier for everyone, letting people sign documents wherever they are, on any device. This flexibility is a game-changer, especially for businesses operating internationally. By removing friction from transactions, eSignatures enhance user experience and empower individuals and companies to operate smoothly.

The future of digital identity and eSignatures

The future of eSignatures is closely linked to how digital identity evolves. Technologies like biometric verification, blockchain, and decentralised identity systems are already becoming part of everyday life. This means eSignatures will only get more secure and user-friendly. Imagine a world where your digital identity, verified through multiple factors, becomes your key to accessing services, signing contracts, and building trusted relationships – all seamlessly and securely.

Here in the UK, there’s already a big push to create secure, accessible digital identities that everyone can rely on. eSignatures will play a massive role in this shift. We’ll see them woven into everything from healthcare and government services to real estate and finance, all while sticking to the highest standards of security and compliance.

At Signable, we’re committed to more than just providing a tool for signing documents. Our mission is to empower individuals and businesses to fully own their digital identities. We’re focused on developing even more intuitive and secure ways for people to sign, confirm, and manage vital transactions.

In the end, the future of eSignatures and digital identity is about giving people control over their digital lives and enabling businesses to thrive in a secure, transparent way. It’s an exciting journey, and we at Signable are proud to be shaping this new digital landscape.

Welcome to techUK’s 2024 Digital ID Campaign Week! On the 14-18^th Oct, we are excited to explore how our members are increasing efficiency for both businesses and users, combatting fraud, as well as what creative and innovative ways our members are expanding our understanding of Digital Identities.

Whether it’s how we’re communicating, shopping, managing our finances, dating, accessing healthcare or public services, the ability to verify identity has quickly become a critical vanguard to the Digital Economy.