Electronic signature audit trails.

Learn about the value of the esignature audit trail for greater security and peace of mind.

When most businesses consider using esignature solutions, security and legality are their top two concerns. In fact, esignatures are just as legal as traditional handwritten ones and can actually be more secure — all thanks to the esignature audit trail.

What is the esignature 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 should be included in an esignature audit trail?

To verify an esignature, the electronic signature audit trail needs to include specific information that enables any interested parties to verify esignature 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 esignatures can be utilized with legal documents.

Learn about more ways that Acrobat Sign can help you get your documents signed quickly and securely — and streamline your business processes such as easily creating electronic signatures.