Digital Signatures vs. Electronic Signatures: What's the Difference?
Most people use these terms interchangeably, but in the eyes of the law and technology, they are completely different beasts.
You've likely "signed" a PDF by typing your name or drawing a squiggly line with your mouse. But did you electronically sign it, or digitally sign it? The difference determines whether that document makes it difficult to edit or practically impossible to forge.
Advertisement
Electronic Signatures (e-Signature)
An Electronic Signature is a broad term. It entails any electronic process that indicates acceptance of an agreement.
- Typing your name at the bottom of an email.
- Checking a "I Agree" box.
- Pasting an image of your signature into a PDF.
Security Level: Low. It proves intent, but doesn't strictly prove who signed it or if the document was changed afterwards.
Digital Signatures
A Digital Signature is a specific technical implementation of an electronic signature that uses cryptography.
- Uses a "Private Key" unique to you (like a digital fingerprint).
- Embeds a mathematical hash into the document.
- Crucial Feature: If anyone changes a single comma in the PDF after signing, the signature breaks and shows "Invalid."
Security Level: High. It ensures both authenticity (it was you) and integrity (it wasn't changed).
Which one do I need?
For casual contracts, rental agreements, and permission slips, an Electronic Signature is usually legally sufficient. For strict legal proceedings, government forms, or high-value transactions, a verified Digital Signature is often required.