Digital (Electronic) Signatures are currently available in Aeries Web for Independent Study Agreements. This article considers the two main types of Electronic signatures that exist and explains the differences between them so Customers have a clear understanding of how Digital Signatures in Aeries Web are used.
The following information is taken from https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/tips/ST04-018
A digital signature—a type of electronic signature—is a mathematical algorithm routinely used to validate the authenticity and integrity of a message (e.g., an email, a credit card transaction, or a digital document). Digital signatures create a virtual fingerprint that is unique to a person or entity and are used to identify users and protect information in digital messages or documents. In emails, the email content itself becomes part of the digital signature. Digital signatures are significantly more secure than other forms of electronic signatures.
The terms digital signature and electronic signature are sometimes confused or used interchangeably. While digital signatures are a form of electronic signature, not all electronic signatures are digital signatures. Electronic signatures—also called e-signatures—are any sound, symbol, or process that shows the intent to sign something. This could be a scan of your hand-written signature, a stamp, or a recorded verbal confirmation. An electronic signature could even be your typed name on the signature line of a document.
When using the term 'Digital Signature' most people think about typing your name into a form and the name appears on the Document when printed, usually in a pre-selected font. This is the E-signature (Electronic) mentioned above.
A Digital Signature is also an Electronic Signature but is far more secure. The Digital Signatures in Aeries are associated with the document that was signed and the algorithm used can validate that the document in the system is the document that was digitally signed. The IP Address and "Signature Text" are also stored along with a Signature Confirmation ID that is unique to that transaction.
A Digital signature does not appear on the document itself but is stored along with the Unique identity information. It is tied to the version of the Document that was uploaded at the time the document was signed, so any attempt to change the Document invalidates the signature.
This is what the Digital Signature looks like in the database (ISG):
For a complete listing of the fields and their use see Database Definitions
User Information
Document Hash
Date, IP and Signature Text
Although the Signer types their name in when they Sign, and the Signature Text is saved, it is not required to appear on the Document itself. The Document Hash ensures that version of the Document was viewed and signed.
Configurations ↑
Digital Signatures are enabled in District Settings
