Tamper Detection Definition and Examples

Understanding Tamper Detection for e-Signing

Tamper detection is a critical security feature in e-signature technology designed to ensure the integrity and authenticity of digital documents. Essentially, it acts as a vigilant guardian that monitors and alerts users if any unauthorized alterations have been made to a signed document after it has been executed.

Importance of Tamper Detection

1. Security Assurance: Tamper detection provides peace of mind that the document remains unaltered and authentic, safeguarding sensitive information from potential breaches.

2. Legal Compliance: Many industries and legal frameworks require robust tamper detection mechanisms to validate electronic signatures, ensuring compliance with regulations such as the eIDAS in Europe or the ESIGN Act in the United States.

3. Trust and Transparency: It fosters trust between parties by maintaining transparency and integrity, crucial elements in contractual agreements and business dealings.

How Tamper Detection Works

Tamper detection works through a combination of cryptographic techniques and secure hashing algorithms. When a document is electronically signed, a digital signature is created using the signer's private key and is embedded in the document. Any subsequent changes to the document will alter its hash value, triggering an alert that the document has been tampered with.

Examples of Tamper Detection in Action

1. Audit Trails: An audit trail provides a detailed record of all actions performed on a document, including timestamps and user information, making it easy to spot unauthorized changes.

2. Checksum Verification: By generating and verifying checksums, any alteration to the document’s content post-signature results in a mismatch, indicating tampering.

3. Digital Certificates: These certificates bind the user's identity to the digital signatures, ensuring that any attempt to alter the signed document invalidates the certificate, thereby exposing tampering.

How GoodSign Implements Tamper Detection

GoodSign incorporates advanced tamper detection features to provide unparalleled security and integrity for your e-signed documents. By utilizing robust cryptographic methods and ensuring all documents have secure audit trails, GoodSign guarantees that any unauthorized changes can be quickly identified and addressed.

Choose GoodSign for your e-signature needs, and benefit from a comprehensive, pay-per-use solution that offers complete protection against document tampering without the need for expensive subscriptions or gated features. For just $1.50 per envelope sent, you gain access to industry-leading security that ensures your documents remain credible and legally compliant.