back

Public Key Encryption Definition and Examples

Understanding Public Key Encryption for e-Signing

Unlock the power of security with Public Key Encryption in the realm of e-signing. Public Key Encryption (PKE) is a cryptographic method that secures electronic transactions by using a pair of keys — a public key and a private key. This technology ensures that your digital documents remain confidential, integral, and authenticated throughout the signing process.

What is Public Key Encryption?

Public Key Encryption relies on a system of two asymmetric keys. Here’s a breakdown:

  1. Public Key: This key is shared openly and can be distributed to anyone. It’s used to encrypt data that only the corresponding private key can decrypt.
  2. Private Key: This key is kept secret by the owner. It’s used to decrypt data encrypted with the corresponding public key and to create digital signatures that others can verify using the public key.

How It Works in e-Signing

When you send a document for e-signature using a platform like GoodSign, here's how Public Key Encryption comes into play:

  1. Encryption: The document is encrypted with the recipient's public key. This step ensures that only the recipient can open and decrypt the document using their private key.
  2. Digital Signature: The sender signs the document using their private key, creating a digital signature. This signature can be verified by anyone with access to the sender's public key, ensuring the document’s authenticity and the sender’s identity.
  3. Decryption: Upon receiving the encrypted document, the recipient uses their private key to decrypt it and view the contents.

Examples in Practice

Imagine a scenario where a legal firm needs clients to sign contracts electronically. Here’s how Public Key Encryption facilitates the process:

  • Client Security: The firm encrypts the contract with the client’s public key, ensuring that only the client can access the document.
  • Author Verification: The firm signs the document with its private key. When the client opens the document, the firm’s public key verifies the digital signature to confirm document integrity and source authenticity.
  • Tamper-proof Signing: If anyone tries to alter the document after it’s signed, the digital signature becomes invalid, alerting the client to potential tampering.

Benefits of Public Key Encryption

Public Key Encryption offers a multitude of benefits:

  • Enhanced Security: Keeps documents confidential from unauthorized access.
  • Authentication: Verifies the sender’s identity and ensures the document has not been altered.
  • Non-repudiation: Prevents the sender from denying their digital signature on the document.

The GoodSign Advantage

GoodSign leverages Public Key Encryption, making it accessible and cost-effective. Forget about expensive subscriptions; with GoodSign, you can pay per use at an affordable $1.50 per envelope. Enjoy robust security with no extra costs for team members and all the features and integrations you need to get started.

Enhance your document security and streamline your e-signing process with GoodSign, where your security and convenience are paramount.

Digital eSignatures
No subscriptions
One million trees 🌳

All rights reserved © GoodSign Limited 2024
2 Stuart St, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011, New Zealand..