Email Authentication Definition and Examples

Understanding Email Authentication for e-Signing

Email authentication is a vital security measure used to verify that an email message comes from the person or entity it claims to be from. This process involves validating the sender's identity to prevent phishing, spoofing, and other malicious activities. With electronic signatures, ensuring the authenticity of the email involved in the transaction is critical to maintaining the integrity and legality of the signed documents.

How Email Authentication Works

There are several methods used for email authentication:

1. Sender Policy Framework (SPF): This protocol verifies that the server sending the email is authorized to send emails on behalf of the domain.
2. DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM): DKIM adds a digital signature to the email header, ensuring that the message content has not been altered during transit.
3. Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance (DMARC): DMARC builds upon SPF and DKIM, providing a way for domain owners to publish policies on email validation and specifying how to handle authentication failures.

Examples of Email Authentication in e-Signing

1. Identity Verification: When initiating an e-signature request, the sender's email is authenticated to ensure it originates from a legitimate source. This step helps prevent unauthorized parties from sending fraudulent signing requests.
2. Document Delivery: After a document is signed, the final version is typically sent to the involved parties via email. Email authentication makes sure that the email containing the signed document is genuinely coming from the e-signature service provider.
3. Notifications and Updates: Throughout the signing process, various notifications and status updates are emailed to the signers and initiators. Authenticating these emails ensures that the updates are trustworthy and that recipients are not misled by harmful imitations.

Benefits of Email Authentication in e-Signing

1. Enhanced Security: Protects sensitive information and prevents unauthorized access.
2. Legal Compliance: Helps meet regulatory requirements by proving that communications originated from a legitimate source.
3. Trust and Credibility: Builds confidence among users by assuring them that their e-signature transactions are protected.

By integrating robust email authentication methods, GoodSign ensures that e-signature transactions are secure and reliable, providing peace of mind to users without the need for expensive subscriptions or restricted features. With GoodSign's straightforward pay-per-use model, you get top-notch security and all the features you need for just $1.50 per send, regardless of team size or usage frequency.