Would you sign a contract with a pencil?

The Illusion of Security

For decades, the physical appearance of a signature was the only way to identify it as yours. This “ink-on-paper” mindset has followed us into the digital age, where many believe that an image of a signature is enough.

In reality, when using a proper digital signature, the visual appearance is the least important factor. The real work is done behind the scenes by complex cryptographic processes. These processes do more to prove your identity than a handwritten scrawl ever could, while simultaneously “sealing” the document to prevent any further changes.

Closing vs. Locking the Door

To put it simply: relying on a basic electronic signature is like closing your front door but forgetting to lock it. You are essentially hoping that people will simply assume it’s secure.

While that might work for the vast majority of people, it only takes one bad actor to turn a handle and walk in. We lock our doors because we understand that “assumption” isn’t a security strategy. Your digital documents deserve the same common-sense protection.

Furthermore, using robust digital signatures sends a message to your partners. By sealing a document, you demonstrate a clear intention to honor the agreement, proving that you are a transparent and trustworthy professional.

Why the “Electronic Pencil” Persists

If better alternatives are readily available, why are so many businesses still using “pencils”? It usually boils down to a lack of awareness. Many users take signature providers at face value without understanding the underlying technology.

Often, companies are won over by “workflow features”—the bells and whistles that make sending documents faster. While these features can revolutionize how a business functions, they shouldn’t come at the cost of security. All the workflow features in the world won’t help you if the integrity of your document is compromised.

The Litmus Test for Your Signatures

The foundation of any signing provider must be the quality of the signature itself. Fortunately, it is easy to see if your signature is doing its job. You just need to look closer.

Ask yourself these three questions:

• Can I edit the document after it has been signed? (If yes, it isn’t secure.)

• Can I copy and paste my signature image onto another file? (If yes, it isn’t a digital signature.)

• Is there a clear way to validate the signature’s authenticity via a third party?

If your current solution fails these tests, it’s time to put down the pencil and start using a digital lock.