Digital signatures are one of the many conveniences that technology has brought to the corporate world and to people who want to sign a contract, certificate, or other document with practicality and security. But do you know what a digital signature is? Learn more and start signing your documents digitally today.

What is a Digital Signature?

A digital signature is a type of electronic signature that includes methods for authentication and auditability of acceptance of a set of terms.

These methods, based on encryption, use additional security vectors to generate auditable evidence of the actions performed on the document, such as the signature.

In digital signature tools such as Autentique, documents also go through electronic authentication, which consists of applying the SHA-256 algorithm. This algorithm generates a unique code called a hash.

The hash, the document, and the signatures are all stored in Autentique and can be audited on the Signature Page.

Digital Signature Law

There is no single specific law that deals exclusively with “digital signatures” in Brazil. What exists is a set of regulations that govern different types of electronic signatures.

The main one is Provisional Measure 2,200-2/2001, which established ICP-Brasil, the Brazilian Public Key Infrastructure, the basis for digital signatures with electronic certificates.

However, this Provisional Measure does not limit the validity of other ways to prove authorship and integrity of electronic documents. Article 10, paragraph 2, establishes that other electronic authentication mechanisms may also be used, provided they are accepted by the parties involved.

In addition, Law 14,063/2020 organizes electronic signatures in Brazil, classifying them as simple, advanced, and qualified, especially in the context of interactions with public entities.

Decree 8,539/2015 also reinforces the possibility of using other authentication methods in electronic processes within public administration, such as login and password.

In practice, although digital signatures do not depend exclusively on ICP-Brasil in many contexts, some bodies and specific situations may require the use of a qualified digital certificate.

How Digital Signatures work

Autentique performs two simultaneous validation processes. One validates the signers, while the other helps ensure the originality and immutability of the document.

How does the signer validation process work?

First, when you create an account, a confirmation email with a unique link is sent to verify that you own that email address. During registration or at the time of signing, personal data is also requested to confirm your information and generate more audit data, since this information is linked to the document you will sign.

Each time the document is viewed or signed, connection and device data, geolocation, date and time, IP address, and the action performed are captured.

How does document authentication work?

When a document is created, it undergoes electronic authentication using the SHA-256 algorithm, which generates a unique code called a hash. This contributes to document integrity and makes tampering more difficult.

In other words, while you create and sign the document, several processes run in the background to capture data for audit purposes and fraud prevention.

But how does the signer sign?

The signer receives the document signature request by email, SMS, or WhatsApp. When accessing the document, they simply need to click “Sign” and fill in the requested information to complete the signature.

How and where to create a Digital Signature

A digital signature can be created through an online platform such as Autentique.

Autentique is a free digital signature platform that allows you to sign documents, certificates, contracts, receipts, PDFs, and more in a practical, fast, and 100% online way. Create your account at autentique.com.br and send your first document for online signature today.

Be careful with platforms that do not capture data, as they generate fewer records of acceptance and therefore offer fewer elements to prove the process.

Creating your signature is simple: just create an account with Autentique, upload the document you want to sign, and add the contact details, email address or phone number, of the signers. That is it. Autentique will collect the signatures for you and notify you when each signer signs.

Use cases for Digital Signatures

Which documents can you sign with a digital signature?

Practically all business and private documents can be signed with Autentique.

Main sectors that use Autentique

• Insurance brokers;
• Internet providers;
• Travel agencies;
• Schools / Education;
• Real estate agencies;
• Shows and events;
• Management / Consulting;
• Public bodies / Associations / NGOs;
• Credit companies;
• Marketing and advertising agencies;
• Lawyers;
• Software companies.

Main documents signed digitally

• Contracts: purchase and sale agreements, service agreements, lease agreements, outsourcing agreements, private contracts;
• Receipts;
• Notices;
• Proofs of delivery;
• Powers of attorney;
• Terms: agreements, adhesion terms;
• Authorizations;
• Certificates.

Benefits of Digital Signatures

All stages of the signing process take place online, bringing benefits such as:

• Reduced costs with printing, couriers, outsourced services, notary offices, postal services, storage, and document routing between employees.
• No time or location limitations. Your client can sign documents anywhere without having to worry about business hours.
• Time savings for you and your team, allowing you to focus on processes that truly require attention instead of wasting time on tasks that can be automated, such as sharing contracts with other members of the company.
• Reduced risks related to the transfer and storage of paper documents, such as loss, erasures, and similar issues.
• Practicality for you and your client to sign contracts quickly using only a mobile phone.
• Process automation. By connecting your system to the Autentique API, you can automatically send contracts for signature.

Digital signatures are a solution that adapts to companies of different sizes. With them, you can not only sign documents, but also request signatures and store documents securely online.

When choosing your digital signature platform, keep your company’s needs and document volume in mind. Remember that Autentique has a free plan with 10 documents per month for smaller demands and a professional plan with unlimited documents for larger demands. Learn more about us at autentique.com.br.