What distinguishes a digital signature from an electronic signature?

A digital signature is distinguished from an electronic signature primarily due to its adherence to specific standards and its use of secure coding methods. Digital signatures utilize cryptographic techniques to bind the signer's identity to the document mathematically. This feature not only authenticates the signer but also ensures the integrity of the document itself, making it tamper-evident.

The use of uniform standards, such as those defined in the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), further sets digital signatures apart. These standards help establish a high level of trust and reliability, which is crucial in legal and financial transactions. In contrast, an electronic signature can be any electronic indication of agreement, such as a typed name or a scanned signature, and does not necessarily employ the same rigorous security protocols.

While electronic signatures have broad acceptance in various jurisdictions, they lack the same level of legal backing and security as digital signatures. The latter’s reliance on encryption and verification mechanisms makes them a preferred option for sensitive transactions, reinforcing why uniform standards and secure coding stand as defining characteristics for digital signatures.