Electronic signature refers to the data contained in the data message in electronic form and accompanied by data used to identify the identity of the signer and show that the signer approves its content. Generally speaking, electronic signature is the electronic signature of electronic documents through cryptographic technology, rather than the digital visualization of written signatures. It is similar to a handwritten signature or seal, and it can also be said to be an electronic seal.
The purpose of electronic signature is to sign the electronic version of Mid-Autumn Festival greeting cards, invitations and construction contracts. Electronic signature is not a digital image of written signature, but actually an electronic code. With it, the recipient can easily verify the identity and signature of the sender online, and can also verify whether the original text of the file has changed during transmission.
If someone wants to send important documents to people in other places through the Internet, both the recipient and the sender need to apply for an electronic license from the licensing authority first. This encryption certificate contains the applicant's online public key, that is, the public computer password, which is used for document verification.
The sender encrypts the file with the receiver's public key issued by CA and signs the file with his own private key. When the recipient receives the file, he first analyzes the signature with the sender's public key to prove that the file is indeed sent by the sender, and then decrypts the file with his own private key and reads it.
Electronic signature is the general name of modern authentication technology. According to the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act of the United States, an electronic signature refers to an electronic sound, symbol or program associated with or logically associated with an electronic record, which is signed or adopted by someone for the purpose of signing an electronic record.
According to the United Nations Model Law on Electronic Commerce, an electronic signature is data in electronic form contained in, attached to or logically associated with a data message, which can be used to verify the identity of the signatory related to the data message.
It also shows that the signer approves the information contained in the data message. According to the European Union's Electronic Signature Directive, electronic signature generally refers to electronic data that is linked or logically linked with other electronic records and used as an authentication method.
From the above definition, any electronic technical means that can prove the identity of the parties and approve the contents of documents in electronic communication can be called electronic signature, which is a general concept of modern authentication technology and an important guarantee for the security of e-commerce.
From the definition of electronic signature, we can see two basic functions of electronic signature, namely, identifying the signer and indicating the signer's approval of the content.
The law fully considers the technical neutrality when defining electronic signature, and extracts the provisions on electronic signature according to the basic functions of signature. It is considered that all electronic technical means that meet the basic functions of signature can be considered as electronic signature.
From the definition of electronic signature and digital signature, we can see that they are different. Electronic signature is put forward from the legal point of view and is technology neutral. Any electronic technical means that meets the basic function of signature can be called electronic signature. Digital signature is put forward from a technical point of view, which requires the use of cryptographic technology. Its main purpose is to confirm the source and integrity of data units.
Electronic signature is a broad concept, and digital signature can be regarded as a way to realize electronic signature, which provides higher functions than the basic requirements of electronic signature.