Glossary – All Key Terms on Electronic Signatures Explained
Comprehensive guide to understanding electronic signatures, from A like Audit Trail to Z like ZertES.
Electronic signatures are a crucial part of modern business practices, enabling digital signing of documents without the need for printing, scanning, or physical delivery. This glossary covers key terms like Audit Trail, ZertES, Qualified Electronic Signature (QES), and more, helping you understand the essential concepts around e-signatures.
What is an Audit Trail?
An audit trail in e-signatures is a secure, timestamped record that tracks all actions taken on a document, ensuring its authenticity and legal validity. It provides a clear, transparent history of who signed the document, when, and where.
What is ZertES?
ZertES is the Swiss certification standard that guarantees the legal validity of electronic signatures within Switzerland. It aligns with EU standards, offering compliance with both Swiss and EU regulations for digital signatures.
What is a Qualified Electronic Signature (QES)?
A Qualified Electronic Signature (QES) is the highest level of electronic signature, providing a legal equivalent to handwritten signatures under Swiss law (ZertES) and the EU's eIDAS regulation. It is created using a qualified signature creation device and involves a rigorous identity verification process.
Advanced Electronic Signatures (AES)
Advanced Electronic Signatures (AES) offer stronger verification compared to basic e-signatures by incorporating cryptographic measures and identity proofing, making them suitable for medium-risk transactions.
Legal Validity of E-Signatures
Electronic signatures, particularly QES, are legally valid in Switzerland and the EU. They are considered as binding as handwritten signatures when they comply with regulations like ZertES and eIDAS.
E-Signature Compliance
To ensure legal compliance, businesses must adopt secure processes for electronic signing, including verification, data protection, and audit trail maintenance. This aligns with GDPR and other privacy laws to protect both signers and businesses.
Get Started with E-Signatures
Explore SignnTrack for legally valid, fast, and secure e-signatures. Start using our solution today.
Start Free Trial