What is an electronic signature audit trail?
Learn about the value of the e-signature audit trail for greater security and peace of mind.
When most businesses consider using e-signature solutions, security and legality are their top two concerns. In fact, e-signatures are just as legal as traditional handwritten ones and can actually be more secure — all thanks to the e-signature audit trail. But what exactly is an electronic signature audit trail?
The electronic signature audit trail is a digital log that archives when and where a document was signed and by whom. Sometimes called an audit log or certificate of completion, it enables your business to verify each signature and trace it back to the signer.
What’s an electronic signature audit trail used for?
Electronic signatures have become a common way to sign documents. But how do you make sure these e-signatures are legitimate and secure? That’s where the e-signature audit trail comes in and plays an important role in ensuring reliability and offering benefits in different situations.
- Legal binding. Is an electronic signature legally binding? Having an electronic signature audit trail can help digital signatures hold up in court.
- Authentication and verification. An e-signature audit trail verifies the signer’s identity and intent while safeguarding the document’s authenticity.
- Dispute resolution. By recording document history, an e-signature audit trail can help with any conflicts.
- Internal accountability. It helps hold parties accountable for their actions during the signing process.
- Efficiency and security. An e-signature audit trail helps with workflow efficiency and data security in remote and digital work environments.
What to include in an electronic signature audit trail.
The electronic signature audit trail needs to include specific information that enables any interested parties to verify e-signature validity. The following data is required:
- The date and time of the signature
- Confirmation that the person signing was verified (often by using an authenticated ID)
- A record of any changes made to the document during or after signing
- The IP address of each signer
Information like this can be used to ensure that the signatures are valid and authentic. This authentication process is why e-signatures can be utilized with legal documents.
Adobe Acrobat audit trail makes it easy.
Learn about more ways to get your documents signed quickly and securely and streamline your business processes, such as easily creating electronic signatures.
