Glossary

E-Signature Glossary

Canonical definitions for every key term — from Advanced Electronic Signature to Wet Signature.

A

  • Advanced Electronic Signature

    An electronic signature that is uniquely linked to the signatory, capable of identifying them, and linked to the data in a way that detects subsequent changes.

C

  • Certificate Authority

    A trusted entity that issues digital certificates, verifying the identity of certificate holders and enabling encrypted communications.

D

  • Digital Signature

    A cryptographic mechanism that uses public-key infrastructure (PKI) to verify the authenticity and integrity of a digital document.

E

  • ESIGN Act

    The Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (15 U.S.C. § 7001), a US federal law giving legal effect to electronic signatures in interstate commerce.

  • Electronic Signature

    Any electronic symbol, process, or sound associated with a contract or record and adopted by a person with the intent to sign.

  • eIDAS

    The EU Regulation No 910/2014 on electronic identification and trust services, establishing a legal framework for electronic signatures across EU member states.

P

  • PKI

    Public Key Infrastructure — a system of hardware, software, policies, and procedures used to create, manage, and distribute digital certificates.

Q

  • Qualified Electronic Signature

    Under eIDAS, the highest level of electronic signature — created by a qualified electronic signature creation device and based on a qualified certificate.

U

  • UETA

    The Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, a US model law adopted by 49 states that grants legal recognition to electronic signatures and records.

W

  • Wet Signature

    A handwritten signature made with ink on a physical document, as opposed to an electronic or digital signature.