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3 Common Misunderstandings About Electronic Signature Requirements

Heather Mueller
December 5, 2019
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Min Read

By now, you probably know that electronic signatures are legally binding. But are you relying on them within your organization?

Even though they hold just as much legal weight as their pen-and-paper counterparts, and have since 2000, electronic signatures are still frequently misunderstood.

If you’re still unsure about using electronic signatures to seal the deal on contracts, proposals, and other important documents, take a look at these three common misconceptions to help dispel any concerns that may be holding you back unnecessarily.

Misconception #1: Electronic Signatures Are More Cumbersome

In fact, the opposite is true. When you consider what it takes to electronically sign a PDF, it quickly becomes clear that signing with pen and paper is usually far more complex.

After all, signing with pen usually means there are items to print, scan, save, and store. And if the information you're working with is sensitive in any way, the original paper files may need to be shredded, too. The entire process can span several days or weeks.

In contrast, electronic signatures can be completed, saved, and stored within a matter of minutes. With today’s technology options, it’s quick and easy to turn virtually any digital document into a signable version that can be completed on smartphones and tablets as well as laptops and workstations. Depending on the eSignature solution you use, those signatures can even be collected via email or text message.

long form tips

Did you know? With Formstack Sign, you can send your document for signature via text message instead of email!

Misconception #2: Electronic Signature Apps Are Less Secure

Paper-based signatures worked well in the pre-digital era when documents were still stored in folders and file cabinets. Now that those same signatures have to be emailed, shared, and otherwise passed around, the likelihood of them getting in the wrong hands is a very real risk.

Having an electronic signature process in place saves companies from having to collect and convert traditional pen-and-paper signatures into digital formats. In fact, many solutions come with built-in features to keep signatures continually secure, whether they're sitting in a database or are in transit via email.

With Formstack Sign, for example, all signed documents are stored in high-tier data centers with SSL-encrypted endpoints and 256-bit AES encryption. If an extra layer of protection is needed, users can further secure the signing process by adding a required passcode—something a paper-based signature simply wouldn’t support.

Learn More: How to Know Your Data is Protected Within an App

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Heather Mueller
Heather is a website copywriter and digital content strategist who loves helping brands generate leads through the power of the written word—especially when using Formstack. Connect with Heather on Twitter @heathermueller.
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