E-SIGNATURES: TECH’S ANSWER TO DOCUMENT AUTHENTICATION

Electronic signatures, also known as e-signatures or digital signatures, are digital representations of our handwritten signatures that are used to express our consent and validate documents and transactions online. Electronic signatures are becoming increasingly popular as technology continues to advance and change the way we do business. Electronic signatures give us the ability to share documents and express consent digitally without the need for physical signatures or even paper, as well as promoting a more environmentally friendly approach to handling and signing documents under our care.

There are many different things that fit under the very broad concept of digital or electronic signatures, including entering our name and any other data that can identify us (CURP, RFC, etc.), signing an electronic document with a digital stylus or scribbling our signature with our fingers on a screen, or even signing using biometric information or passwords.

Advantages of electronic signatures.

• Convenience. One of the first advantages that come to mind when talking about electronic signatures is that the allow people to send, sign and safeguard documents from any place and at any time, as long as we have access to the Internet. This is particularly useful for people who travel constantly, or who have business relationships with people in other states or other countries.

• Agility. Electronic signatures allow us to send documents for signature and sign them in a matter of minutes, while traditional methods of collecting signatures and sending documents can take days or even weeks. The agility offered by electronic signatures is convenient for everyone, but it is especially important when a quick response is key.

• Security. Electronic signature systems use encryption and other security measures to protect the authenticity and integrity of the documents we sign. This assures us that the document we sign is secure and cannot be altered, even if it is shared by insecure means.

• Savings. By eliminating the need for paper, transfers and physical signatures, costs related to printing, mailing and storing documents can be reduced.

How electronic signatures work?

There are variations in how electronic signatures work depending on the version being used. If the signature is simply scribbled on a screen, the image of the signature is captured and incorporated into the document. However, more advanced electronic signature systems use encryption and verification technology to ensure that signatures are authentic and secure.

In simplified terms, advanced electronic signature systems keep a record of the document at each moment before, during and after it is signed. Each of these records is called a «hash», and each hash is compared against its previous versions to confirm that it is the same file and that it has not been modified. If the hashes match, the signature is considered valid and the document has not been altered.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact us. Write to us at contacto@innovalaw.com.mx