Difference between enhanced electronic signature and advanced electronic signature

Article content

WHEN does an ADVANCED ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE COMPLY WITH THE EIDAS REGULATION?

According to eIDAS, an “advanced electronic signature” must meet the following criteria:

• It is uniquely linked to the signer.
• It enables unambiguous identification of the signer.
• It is created by means that the signatory can use under its sole control.
• It is associated with the data to which the signature applies in such a way that any subsequent changes to that data can be detected.

FOR WHAT PURPOSES CAN AN ADVANCED ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE be used?

Considering the level of legal certainty, the advanced electronic signature can be used for:

ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE LEVELS

The eIDAS regulation recognizes only three levels of electronic signatures:

1. Electronic signature
2. Advanced electronic signature
3. Qualified electronic signature

TRANSITION FROM GUARANTEED TO QUALIFIED ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE

In the past, the term “guaranteed electronic signature” was used. Sometimes there is a false claim that GES and QES are equivalent, but this is not the case. Guaranteed electronic signature (GES) is an old signature format used in Slovakia before the European eIDAS regulation. Qualified electronic signature (QES) replaced guaranteed electronic signature (GES). Nowadays, GES is no longer issued and is only used within the framework of the sustainability of old signed documents. Regulation 2015/202 Z.z., which was repealed by regulation 272/2016 Z.z., refers to the guaranteed electronic signature as well as the guaranteed electronic seal.

After the adoption of the European eIDAS regulation, the terms, definitions, and rules related to electronic signatures, as well as their usage and security, were harmonized across European Union member states. This is crucial for international interoperability and legal certainty across the EU.