Key concepts

Cloud signature

A remote digital signature where the signer’s digital certificate is stored in the cloud. Cloud signatures make it easy for users to sign on any device with a browser, without needing a USB key or smart card.

Digital signature

A digital signature is a more secure eSignature that is backed by a digital certificate which confirms the identity of the signer. During the signing process, information from the user's unique digital certificate is cryptographically bound to the signature field – providing strong legal proof that the user signed a specific document, and that document was not altered after the signing. Digital signatures are highly trusted around the world because they provide the highest confidence that:

Electronic seal

An electronic seal (eSeal) is a digital signature used by a legal entity such as a business or organization to certify the origin, authenticity, and integrity of documents. For example, eSeals are often used by automated systems that process invoices or pay checks.

Electronic signature

An electronic signature (or eSignature) is a broad term for any electronic process indicating an agreement or record acceptance. The most basic form of an eSignature can be a name typed on a signature line, using an image of your signature, selecting a checkbox, or drawing on a touch screen.

Digital identity

Similar to a passport in digital form, a digital identity (ID) contains information about an individual and provides access to secured resources. For example, you may have one digital ID to access resources for your work and another to access banking, or other services. In general, a secure digital ID relies on a digital certificate issued when a trusted third-party like DigiCert​​®​​verifies your identity. See create a digital ID.

Identity verification

The process of checking the identity of a natural person or organization using documentation, face-to-face meetings, technology, web services, business registry, or other methods. In general, identity verification processes required to obtain higher-quality digital certificates are more rigorous. See verify your identity.

Identity authentication

The process of confirming that you’re who you say you are via something you own (a mobile phone), something you know (PIN), and something you are (biometric information). See set up an authenticator.

European Union (EU)

eIDAS is the short name for the legal framework that governs eSignatures, identity schemes, and trust services for all European Union (EU) member states. eIDAS defines 2 categories of eSignatures: (1) qualified and (2) non-qualified however use cases for different types of signatures may vary per EU member state. eIDAS has also inspired many laws around the world.

Switzerland (CH)

ZertES is the Swiss legal framework that regulates the quality and issuance of digital certificates and requirements for Trust Service Providers (like DigiCert​​®​​) operating in Switzerland. ZertES is quite similar to eIDAS because and includes 3 categories of eSignatures: qualified, regulated, and non-qualified.

United Kingdom (UK)

UK eIDAS is short name the legal framework that went into effect after the United Kingdom (UK) withdrew from the EU. There is a lot of balance between eIDAS and UK eIDAS and Qualified Trust Service Providers (QTSP) certified in the EU (like DigiCert​​®​​) are recognized by the UK.

United States of America (USA)

The Federal ESIGN Act and Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA) which has been adopted by 49 states, Washington D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands govern the use of digital documents and eSignatures. However, neither law defines a tiered structure for eSignature types nor use cases for digital signatures.

Administrator

User responsible for configuring DigiCert​​®​​ solutions and may provide support to others in your company.

Signer

User who applies their e-signature on a document.

Sender

User who sends documents to be signed and manages workflows.

Sealer

User role that applies a company seal on documents. This role can be automated.