An Electronic Signature Can Be Created and Used by Anyone

Anyone can create an electronic signature and use it in a variety of different applications. You could have a signature file stored directly on your computer, which you insert into your word processing documents and emails. You could also have another signature file which you can insert into your PDF documents. Since anyone can create this type of signature and insert it into a variety of applications, it is not a secure signature. For example, your administrative assistant could just as easily attach your signature to document requiring your approval. This could result in approvals being granted, when you would not normally approve such items.

You Can Encrypt an Electronic Signature Using a Certificate Authority System

A different type of electronic signature you can use is called a digital signature. This type of signature cannot be created by everyone because it requires using a certificate authority system. A certificate authority system creates the signature in such a manner to include security features. This means that when you digitally sign your documents, your signature is encrypted. By encrypting your signature, it will prevent others from signing documents without your knowledge, because your digital signature can be authenticated.