Digital signing: Everything you need to know

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What is a digital signature?

A digital signature is an electronic variant of a regular signature used in electronic communication.

Although most laymen think of the term digital signature as everything they have ever encountered in digital signing, in reality a digital signature is the simplest variant of the electronic signature levels.

Individual levels of signatures that you can use for digital signing:

• simple electronic signature,

• advanced electronic signature without qualified status,

• advanced electronic signature with qualified status,

• qualified electronic signature.

The task of all levels of electronic signature is to replace the handwritten signature of a natural person and reliably identify the natural person who created the signature. However, they differ in the level of person authentication and legal certainty.

It is also possible to digitally sign documents in the name of a legal entity. The electronic seal and its various levels serve these purposes. We discussed its comparison with an electronic signature in more detail in the article: Electronic seal and electronic signature. Do you know the difference?

Digital signing vs scanned signature

A scanned signature represents a graphic image of a handwritten signature. It is created by scanning a signature written on paper into a computer and converting it to the required format (.jpg, .pdf…). Such a simple signature is not verifiable, it can be easily forged and its author cannot be verified. The scanned signature therefore has minimal legal value and is not suitable for concluding contracts or other important electronic communication.

In contrast, the individual levels of the electronic signature offer higher legal certainty, as they provide a better option than identifying a physical person. Their use for signing contracts and legally binding documents is therefore safer. So, if you are looking for a truly secure form of digital signing with a higher degree of legal certainty (for example in case of disputes), this will be the right choice.

If, in addition, a qualified timestamp is added to the document signed with an electronic signature, it will be possible to clearly determine the date when the document was signed.

In connection with digital signing, the phrase electronic signature without borders is also often used. This is because all legislation regarding electronic signing is regulated by the European Union’s eIDAS regulation, which makes one electronic signature valid in all member states of the European Union.

How to get an electronic signature

You can get a simple digital signature for free. Just register at zone.nfqes.com and you can start signing. To use a higher level of electronic signature, such as an advanced electronic signature, you need to pay for the corresponding certificate.

Can’t decide if free digital signing will be enough for you, or if it’s better for you to reach for paid versions that provide a higher level of security? Do not hesitate to contact us.. Our experts will be happy to discuss your needs with you and help you choose the right type of electronic signature for you.

We wrote down all the important questions about obtaining and using an electronic signature for you in the blog article: Frequently asked questions about electronic signatures.

Benefits of digital signing

Digital signing brings several benefits for individuals and companies. First, it’s about saving time – you don’t have to go to the office or arrange a meeting with a business partner, but just turn on the PC, make a few clicks and you’re done. You can use the saved time for activities that generate profit for the company or spend it with your family or in leisure activities. Saving time goes hand in hand with saving costs,for example on transport and printing of documents. At the same time, you save the environment.

Európska únia prišla so zaujímavou štatistikou: Ak by sa v celej Európskej únii využívalo digitálne podpisovanie, ročne by sme ušetrili až 2 % z celkového HDP Európskej únie.

However, the most important advantage of digital signing is certainly the increase in security when signing documents. A qualified electronic signature protects you from identity theft, verifies the authenticity of the signed document and eliminates the risk of document loss or destruction.

Digital signing as a tool to streamline processes in the company

Digitally signing documents in the company will help you make internal communication more efficient, but also improve the processes associated with concluding contracts at a distance or to speed up the bureaucracy associated with communication with public authorities.

Electronic seals can also be integrated into various software and applications, which will help you automate various internal processes and thereby reduce the administrative burden on your employees.

In addition, whether you decide for an electronic seal on a card or a virtual variant without a physical card, one seal can be used by several employees in the company.

Everything from home and just a few clicks away – digital signing will significantly facilitate communication with the authorities

Although digital signing in our country is mainly used by natural persons, entrepreneurs and legal entities, an electronic signature can make life easier for each of us. It is also possible to use it when dealing with completely ordinary matters such as changing permanent residence, transferring a car, taking out insurance, completing an application for registration of real estate in the cadastre or processing a marriage license.

Read more about practical use of digital signing: The electronic age – What can be done electronically?

An electronic signature, which simplifies communication with the authorities and helps you complete the necessary formalities with the state or other public institutions from the comfort of your home, should therefore be the basic equipment of every modern person. After all, why not simplify the bureaucratic burden if possible? And in addition, the administration fee is also reduced (mostly by half) when handling most common services for citizens via electronic submission via www.slovensko.sk.

In today’s modern times, digital signing is an excellent way to handle necessary personal and business matters quickly and without the need for personal contact. However, do not forget that for your digital signature to be truly secure and have higher legal binding, a scan of your signature is not enough. It is necessary to have an appropriate level of electronic signature (natural persons) or electronic seal (legal persons). However, obtaining them is simple and compared to the costs and time saved, truly beneficial.