As businesses and government services transition toward digital transformation, electronic signatures have become an essential tool for completing transactions securely and efficiently. However, not all electronic signatures provide the same level of security and reliability.
There are two main types of electronic signatures:
1️⃣ Standard electronic signatures
2️⃣ Encrypted digital signatures
But what’s the difference between them? And which one offers better security?
A standard electronic signature is a simple, digital representation of a handwritten signature. It is typically created using:
✔ Touchscreen devices
✔ Stylus pens
✔ Digital drawing tools
🔹 Key Characteristics of Standard Electronic Signatures:
❌ Easily forged: Since it’s just a digital image of a signature, it lacks strong authentication mechanisms, making it vulnerable to fraud.
❌ No identity verification: Standard electronic signatures don’t verify the signer’s identity, making them unreliable for high-risk transactions.
❌ No encryption: A standard electronic signature does not encrypt the document, meaning changes can be made to the document after signing without detection.
💡 Where are standard electronic signatures used?
They are often used for non-sensitive agreements, such as:
However, they are not recommended for financial transactions, legal documents, or government contracts due to security concerns.
An encrypted digital signature is an advanced version of an electronic signature that relies on Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) technology. It uses two cryptographic keys (public and private) to:
✔ Encrypt the signature
✔ Verify the signer’s identity
✔ Ensure the integrity of the signed document
🔹 Key Features of Encrypted Digital Signatures:
✅ Data Encryption & Protection:
A digital signature creates a unique cryptographic hash when a document is signed. If the document is altered in any way, the signature becomes invalid—ensuring data integrity.
✅ Identity Verification & Authentication:
Each digital signature is linked to a private key that only the authorized signer can access. This prevents identity fraud and ensures the authenticity of the signer.
✅ Legal Recognition & Compliance:
Encrypted digital signatures are legally binding in many countries and are widely used in:
✔ Banking & financial transactions
✔ Government communications
✔ Corporate contracts & legal agreements
In Iraq, digital signatures are fully recognized under Electronic Transactions Law No. 78 of 2012, granting them full legal validity in official transactions.
💡 For sensitive transactions, security and authentication are critical. An encrypted digital signature is the best option because it:
✔ Prevents fraud & document tampering
✔ Guarantees signer identity verification
✔ Ensures compliance with cybersecurity laws
✔ Provides legally binding authentication for contracts
As digital transactions continue to evolve, adopting encrypted digital signatures is crucial for ensuring security, trust, and compliance.
By choosing TwoKeyOk’s secure digital signature solutions, businesses and individuals in Iraq can enhance data protection and streamline their digital workflows.
🚀 Ready to secure your transactions? Switch to encrypted digital signatures today!
