Signed, Secured, Delivered: Authenticating Digital Agreements in the Time of Web3

is a widely used HTML tag that is used to group or section a set of elements in a web page. The digital economy has led to the widespread use of electronic signatures, or e-signatures, for high-value transactions that were previously conducted via traditional pen and paper. However, the increasing use of e-signatures has also led to a growing concern about cybersecurity threats that can compromise the integrity of digital agreements. Companies must adopt cybersecurity initiatives to secure digital interactions and provide a secure environment for high-value transactions.

Compliance with e-signature security requirements is essential for organizations. Electronic signature solutions are regulated by the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act and the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act. Compliance requirements become even more complex for remote online notarization, which calls for identity verification and knowledge-based authentication. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in notaries facing civil liability or the loss of their license.

Vendors must provide immediate proof of completion upon execution of an electronic agreement, including the associate IP address, email address, date, timestamp, names, and all other aspects of a transaction. The certificate will act as a legal record of the transaction and should be stored on a secure site to avoid tampering. Authentication is also essential to ensure the highest level of security. E-signature providers must provide a two-key encryption system and/or two-step verification, while online notarizations require identity verification, KBA, and built-in security controls.

Online transactions and customer interactions must be secured at every touchpoint throughout a transaction, and continuous authentication is essential. Solution providers must adopt an increased level of security to be integrated into the fabric of all transactions and agreements. Organizations should invest in alternative e-signature and notarization solutions that utilize multi-factor authentication, identity verification, encryption, and other secure processes.

In conclusion, the growing use of e-signatures and remote online notarization has led to a greater need for cybersecurity initiatives to secure digital interactions. Compliance with e-signature security requirements is essential, and vendors must provide immediate proof of completion upon execution of an electronic agreement. Authentication and continuous authentication are also essential to ensure the highest level of security. Organizations must invest in alternative e-signature and notarization solutions that utilize multi-factor authentication, identity verification, encryption, and other secure processes.