Signer Assurance Definition and Examples

Understanding Signer Assurance for e-Signing

When you're dealing with electronic signatures, the term "Signer Assurance" frequently comes up, and for good reason. Signer assurance is a critical component in the e-signing process, ensuring that the identity of the person signing a document is verified and trustworthy. This leads us to the primary question: What exactly is signer assurance, and why is it so important?

What is Signer Assurance?

Signer assurance refers to the methods and processes used to confirm the identity of a person who is electronically signing a document. Essentially, it's about making sure that the right person is signing and that their signature is legally binding. This is paramount in maintaining the integrity and trustworthiness of transactions, whether they're business agreements, contracts, or official documents.

Examples of Signer Assurance Methods

Here are some common methods used to provide signer assurance:

1. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):

   • Combine something the signer knows (like a password) with something they have (like a smartphone) to authenticate their identity.

2. Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA):

   • Verify the signer's identity by asking questions only they should be able to answer, based on their personal information.

3. Email or SMS Verification:

   • Send a verification code to the signer's email or phone number to confirm their identity before they can access the document.

4. Digital Certificates:

   • Use digital certificates issued by trusted Certificate Authorities to uniquely identify the signer and ensure their signature is valid.

5. Biometric Verification:

   • Employ biometric data, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, to authenticate the signer.

Why is Signer Assurance Important?

Signer assurance is vital for several reasons:

• Legal Compliance: Ensures that signatures meet legal standards and hold up in court.
• Security: Protects against fraud and unauthorized document signing.
• Trust: Builds confidence among parties in the authenticity and integrity of signed documents.
• Traceability: Provides a clear audit trail of who signed what and when, which is essential for record-keeping and accountability.

How GoodSign Enhances Signer Assurance

GoodSign, as an eSignature provider, leverages robust signer assurance methods without imposing extra costs or restrictive plans on its users. With just $1.50 per envelope, you gain access to all the assurance features you need, ensuring your electronic signatures are secure and compliant. This pay-per-use model makes it straightforward and economical to implement strong signer assurance in your document workflows.

In summary, signer assurance is a foundational aspect of e-signing that ensures the legitimacy and security of electronic signatures. By using various verification methods, you can confidently verify the identity of signers and protect the integrity of your documents. With GoodSign, achieving high levels of signer assurance is both cost-effective and efficient.