The electronic signature has become a key element in managing digital documents, providing a quick, safe, efficient method of validating the identity of the signer and the integrity of the documents.
Used in various fields, from signing contracts to filing tax returns, the electronic signature replaces the traditional handwritten signature, thus reducing the time and the costs involved in administrative processes.
What is an electronic signature and why is it necessary?
An electronic signature is a digital form of the traditional signature. The electronic signature ensures the integrity of a document, confirms that it has not been changed after the signing, and authenticates the signature of the signer.
Currently, the electronic signature becomes increasingly useful for simplifying administrative and trade processes. It saves time by eliminating the need for meetings in person, and it is in many cases mandatory for dealings with state institutions in order to comply with legal regulations.
Furthermore, the digital signature contributes to reducing the risks of fraud, providing a level of security and transparency that cannot be achieved with traditional signature methods.
Types of electronic signature
There are two main types of digital signature: an electronic signature which stores the digital certificate on a token and the electronic signature using a digital cloud certificate.
E-signature using a token
The token signature uses a cryptographic device (USB token) to enable document signing. The token contains the user’s digital certificate, and generates the signature in a secure environment.
Cloud e-signature
The cloud signature enables documents to be signed directly from an online environment, with no physical device necessary. The digital certificate is stored in the cloud of the provider’s infrastructure, and the signature is generated by accessing the platform online.
The digital certificate – an indispensable tool
The qualified digital certificate is a key tool for any type of signature. The certificate is used to confirm the identity of the signer and ensure the integrity of the signed documents. It contains the identification data of the signer, as well as the cryptographic key.
The digital certificate can be stored on various media, such as tokens (cryptographic devices) or in the cloud, depending on the user’s needs.
What is the validity of a digital certificate?
The validity of a digital certificate is determined by the type of subscription. Validity terms range between 1 to 3 years, depending on the selected option.
Both types of certificates, e-token and cloud, are available for a minimum of 1 year through the service packages provided by AlfaSign. Choosing a period of 2 or 3 years ensures long-term savings.
To ensure continuity, the digital certificate is renewed when its validity period is about to expire. The renewal process requires replacing the existing certificate with a new one, the validity of which will be extended according to the user’s option.
How does the token digital signature work?
The token digital signature requires using a physical cryptographic device to sign documents securely. Here is how this process works:
- The certificate is stored on a token, and when the user wants to sign a document, they need to insert the token into a USB port.
- Before signing, the user needs to enter a password to access the cryptographic device.
- Once the token is connected and the user authenticated, the signature is generated using the private key stored on the token.
- The generated signature is applied on the document, and the signed document can then be sent digitally in a safe manner, without requiring an actual exchange of paper documents.
How does the cloud signature work?
The process of signing a document using the cloud signature includes the following stages:
- The user connects to the signing platform using a secure account or logs into the application installed locally on the computer.
- After uploading the document onto the platform, the signature is applied automatically, using the private key stored in the cloud.
- The applied signature can be verified using the public key, and the signed document remains protected against changes.
Token vs cloud signature: What to choose for your business?
Choosing the right type of signature for your business is an important decision that will improve the efficiency of processes and protect your data.
The decision depends on the particularities of your business:
- If you value physical control and do not rely on mobility, a token will be the right option for you.
- If your priorities are flexibility and elimination of hardware barriers, then the cloud signature offers an ideal solution for you.
Please see a detailed comparison by AlfaSign between the token and the cloud signature option to better understand the benefits that each option offers, and choose what is best for the efficiency and the security of your company’s processes.
What is the procedure for getting an electronic signature?
AlfaSign offers you the possibility to get an electronic signature quickly and easily, without requiring you to be present for any requests and checks. Here are the main steps:
- Fill in the online form available on the AlfaSign website. The process only takes a minute.
- Select the package that best fits your needs.
- To confirm your identity, follow the video identification flow – a quick, secure process.
- Make sure that the device on which the signature will be used meets the minimum system requirements.
- For the token, you need to download the drivers and the utility tools provided by AlfaSign. These are available on the official website, and are easy to install using the digital certificate installation instructions.
Why AlfaSign?
AlfaSign offers complete, safe solutions for this type of signature, and is a trustworthy partner for the digitalisation of your business. By choosing AlfaSign, you get the benefit of advanced technologies, qualified certificates, and custom services for every type of activity.
Safe, certified technology
- All AlfaSign digital signatures comply with European standards and guarantee the legal validity of the documents.
- The systems are checked regularly to ensure maximum safety of the processes.
Coverage for various sectors
AlfaSign solutions are useful in all domains:
- Public sector: Tenders, official contracts, and government documents.
- Private sector: E-invoicing, commercial contracts, internal correspondence.
- Professions: Lawyers, architects, pharmacists, and court bailiffs receive specific tools for their activities.
Full range of digital services
AlfaSign offers more than a digital signature, with a portfolio that includes:
- Electronic seals: For quick signing of the official documents of your company.
- Time stamps: Ensures accurate, certified dating of your documents.
- Compliance consulting: Support in navigating legal regulations.
Simplification and efficiency
With AlfaSign, you eliminate traditional, paper-based processes and physical transport. This reduces costs, saves time, and brings your business closer to current digital standards.
