A Simple guide to Advanced Electronic Signatures (AES)
Published:
Businesses everywhere are switching to electronic signatures to make their paperwork faster and simpler. A question that is often asked is: what is an advanced electronic signature? And how does it measure up against a simple electronic signature in terms of security?
This guide explains everything you need to know about advanced electronic signatures (AES).
What is an Advanced Electronic Signature?
An Advanced Electronic Signature (AES) is a type of eSignature that takes security and verification a few steps further than your typical simple electronic signature.
Designed to comply with the stringent requirements set out by the eIDAS regulation across the EU, an AES must meet four key criteria:
- It must be uniquely linked to the signatory, making it impossible to falsely replicate.
- It must clearly identify who has signed the document.
- It should be created using data that only the signatory can control securely, ensuring no one else can forge or tamper with the signature.
- Any changes made to the document after it is signed must be easily detectable, safeguarding the integrity of the document.
These features make AES a robust choice for situations where trust and security are paramount, providing peace of mind that each signature is as legitimate and secure as a handwritten one.
The difference between SES, AES, and QES explained
When it comes to electronic signatures, there are three tiers: Simple, Advanced, and Qualified. Each level ups the ante in terms of security and compliance, kind of like moving up from a padlock to a safe, and then to a bank vault.
Simple Electronic Signatures (SES) are your standard eSignature. They can be anything from a typed name at the end of an email to an uploaded image of a handwritten signature. SES are efficient and easy – great for low-risk agreements like an internal approval or simple contracts.
Advanced Electronic Signatures (AES) are the next step up. They link the signature to the signatory by verifying their identity, and secure the eSignature so that any tampering is detectable. AES are widely used for more sensitive documents such as those containing personal or financial information.
Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES) are the gold standard for eSignature security. They require all the security measures of AES but also need to be created using a digital certificate that is issued by a trusted service provider. QES are the most robust type of electronic signature and are generally used for high-stakes transactions and legal documents where the highest level of security and compliance is necessary.
Understanding these levels allows businesses to choose the appropriate type of electronic signature based on the risk and legal requirements involved.
When to use an Advanced Electronic Signature
So in the real world, when would you actually use an Advanced Electronic Signature (AES)? As a general rule, AES should be your go-to when dealing with anything that needs an extra layer of protection.
If your documents contain sensitive information like medical records or financial details for example, you will want to ensure that the identity of the signer is verified and that the document remains unchanged after signing. AES gives you that additional security by tightly linking the signature to the signer and safeguarding the document from tampering.
When to use AES?
- Sensitive information: This includes health or financial records that need to stay private.
- High-value transactions: Whether it’s large sums of money or critical business agreements, AES helps ensure that all parties are legitimate and the deal goes smoothly.
- Compliance needs: Certain industries, especially those regulated by bodies like HMRC, have strict guidelines on how documents should be handled and signed. Using AES can help you stay on the right side of legal and regulatory requirements, avoiding penalties and ensuring integrity.
To sum up, AES is ideal for scenarios where the stakes are high, and both the authenticity and security of signed documents cannot be left to chance. Whether it’s keeping personal data secure or making sure financial transactions are rock solid, AES has got you covered.
How does an Advanced Electronic Signature work?
How does an Advanced Electronic Signature work? Let’s break it down, focusing on the two main components: identity verification (making sure the person signing the document is who they claim to be) and cryptographic signing (a technical term for change detection). Here’s how we handle it at Signable:
Digital Signing
Think of digital signing like putting an electronic seal on your documents. This eSeal acts a lot like an old-school wax seal, clearly displaying if a document has been opened or changed since the seal was added.
When a document is sealed, it’s marked in such a way that anyone using popular tools like Adobe PDF Reader or Microsoft Office can see that it’s secured and verify its authenticity. An intact eSeal verifies that the document is genuine and hasn’t been tampered with after signing. It’s a clear indicator of integrity and origin, offering robust protection against potential tampering.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for Signers
When it comes to verifying the identity of the person signing the document, Signable uses a tried and tested method – Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). This requires recipients to verify their identity using a one-time code sent via SMS to their mobile device. This extra step makes sure the person signing the document is exactly who they say they are, adding an additional layer of verification to your transactions.
Using both of these features together ensures that documents sent via Signable are AES compliant. So whether you’re signing a sensitive contract or securing a high-stakes deal, you can rest assured the authenticity and integrity of every document signed through our platform is maintained.
Stay secure with Signable
Ready to take your document signing to the next level? Whether you need a simple solution for everyday agreements or an extra layer of security with Advanced Electronic Signatures, Signable has got you covered.
See for yourself how easy and secure signing documents can be. Sign up for a 14-day free trial and experience the simplicity and security of Signable. No hassle, no commitment, just straightforward signing at your fingertips!
Shauna
Get started in under 60 seconds
Check out our free 14 day trial and start sending documents now.