Digital Signature as An Easy Way to Sign Documents

As the digital age evolves, securing online transactions and legal agreements has never been more crucial. One essential tool that provides a secure and legally binding way to sign documents online is the digital signature. A digital signature goes beyond a simple electronic signature by using advanced encryption methods to verify the signer’s identity and ensure the document’s integrity.

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about digital signatures, from what it is, how it works, to the legal backing in Indonesia under the UU ITE law.

Understanding Digital Signature

A digital signature is a secure electronic stamp that confirms both the identity of the signer and the integrity of the document. In many ways, a digital signature functions similarly to a traditional wet signature, serving as proof of agreement or consent. However, unlike a wet signature which can sometimes be forged or altered, a digital signature provides a much higher level of security. It uses advanced encryption techniques to link the signer’s identity directly to the document, ensuring that the document remains unchanged after signing.

Digital signatures are increasingly important for online transactions, from signing contracts to authorizing business agreements. Because they are encrypted and verified, they offer more security than traditional wet signatures.

Digital signatures are not only legally secure but also bring practical benefits for users:

1. Fast and Efficient

Digital signatures allow documents to be signed and shared in minutes, eliminating the need for printing, scanning, or mailing.

2. Cost-Effective

Businesses save on printing, shipping, and storage costs, which adds up over time.

3. Secure

Digital signatures are encrypted, reducing the risk of tampering and unauthorized access.

4. Environmentally Friendly

By going digital, businesses reduce paper usage, which contributes to a more sustainable and eco-friendly operation.

How Digital Signature Works

Digital signatures use a pair of cryptographic keys. It is a private key known only to the signer and a public key provided to recipients. Here’s a quick breakdown of how it works:

1. The Electronic Certification Authority (PSrE) issues an electronic certificate with a unique key pair linked to the legal subject (private key and public key). The public key is available to anyone, while the private key is known only to the signature owner. These keys work together uniquely: information or electronic documents encrypted with one key can only be decrypted with the other.
2. Certified digital signatures use asymmetric cryptography with Public Key Infrastructure (PKI). The public key is included in a digital certificate, serving as proof of the signer’s identity.
3. The public key is attached to the electronic document, which has been encrypted with the signer’s private key. If any changes are made to the document, the system will automatically detect them and issue a notification, ensuring the signer’s identity and the document’s integrity remain intact.

Digital Signature Assurances

A digital signature isn’t just a signature to gain consent. Rather, it’s a way to assure that both the document and the signer are trustworthy. Here are some key assurances offered by digital signatures:

1. Authentication

Digital signatures verify the signer’s identity, ensuring that only authorized individuals can sign.

2. Integrity

Digital signatures protect the document from any changes or alterations. If any part of the document is modified after signing, the signature becomes invalid.

3. Non-repudiation

Once a document is signed, the signer cannot deny signing it. This non-repudiation feature holds the signer accountable, which is essential for legal and contractual documents.

4. Legal Recognition

Many countries, including Indonesia, legally recognize digital signatures as valid. In Indonesia, digital signatures are backed by UU ITE, Law No. 11 of 2008 on Electronic Information and Transactions), giving them the same legal standing as wet signatures.

How to Use Digital Signature with VIDA Sign

Using a digital signature is straightforward, especially with platforms like VIDA Sign:

1. Sign up on the website https://sign.vida.id/.
2. Select “Create Envelope.”
3. Here, you’ll find two types of signatures: “e-Sign” (a digital signature that can be used for any type of document and does not require identity verification) and “Digital Sign” (a digital signature recommended for important documents as it requires identity verification through ID and biometrics).
4. To use e-sign, simply upload the document and sign it.
5. To use a digital sign, you must complete identity verification to obtain an electronic certificate.
6. Don’t have an electronic certificate yet? Just open “Personal Profile” on the side menu, select “Get My Certificate Now,” then choose “Verify for Digital Signatures.” Complete the verification by confirming your email and phone number, ID card, and biometric verification.

VIDA Sign’s platform ensures that each signature is compliant with Indonesian laws, giving users confidence that their documents are both secure and legally valid.

Digital signatures provide a safe, convenient, and legally recognized way to sign documents in today’s digital world. With assurances of authenticity, document integrity, and legal backing from UU ITE in Indonesia, digital signature is ideal for anyone needing a reliable and fast signing method.