Simply typing your name into a document or form does not constitute using a digital signature, but is considered a type of electronic signature. The difference between this basic electronic signature and a digital one is the level of security achieved. With the electronic, anyone else can open the document or form and change, modify or even delete your signature. However with a digital one, they are unable to open or gain access to the form or document unless they have been provided with the right decryption key. They are also unable to modify, change or delete your signature.
There are Two Key Components Needed in Order to Use a Digital Signature
A digital signature is contained within a digital certificate. There are two key components to using this type of electronic signature. First, the user must have the digital certificate which contains their private key and signature. Next, the user must have access to distribute a second digital certificate, which contains their public key. The public key is needed by other people to decrypt the digital signature and authenticate the documents, forms and files signed by the user.