What is an Electronic Seal or E-Seal ?

An electronic seal also known as an e-seal is the electronic version of a stamp or seal used to authenticate electronic data and secure digital documents.

Electronic signatures are associated with legal entities such as corporations or organizations and several users within a legal entity can use it.

Electronic seals are embedded in eSignature solutions through which they can be used for bulk signing of documents. 

A digital seal is a kind of electronic seal used to authenticate and safeguard electronic data through cryptographic methods. The digital seal uses digital signatures to validate the digital documents. 

Read More: Understand Personal Data Protection Law in Saudi Arabia

How does an Electronic Seal work?

Electronic seals are digital marks on the documents that verify the authentication of the documents.

The process of an electronic seal varies from company to company but we have covered the general procedure for our readers:

Document Preparation

The first step in the process is to prepare the document that needs to be e-sealed. It can be an electronically created document and can be in different formats like PDF or Word. 

Application of seal

The document can be e-sealed in various ways, it can be a watermark, a digital signature, or a visual image.

The electronic seal is used through eSignature software and tools by the person or entity in charge of sealing the document. 

Authentication

A digital signature is generated using the private key for the document. It is set depending on different document types and parameters to confirm the document authentication.

Timestamp

A timestamp is marked on the document to record the exact date and time when the document is sealed.

Distribution

The document is then delivered/sent to the intended recipient of the sealed document.

Verification

It is the most crucial part where the recipient confirms the verification of the seal. The recipient gets access to the sealed document through the private key. Valid seals are proof that the document’s integrity has not been altered.

Record Keeping

Some of the companies keep all the records of sealed documents for legal and audit purposes. 

What are the components of an Electronic Seal?

An electronic seal is a combination of components working together to digitally secure electronic data. The components consist of:

Digital Signature

The digital signatures, created through cryptographic methods, are permanent and unique. A private key is used to generate the digital signatures.

These can be verified using a corresponding public key. Digital signatures are a way to guarantee the integrity and authenticity of the document. 

Private Key

It is the most confidential component as it is used to create the digital signatures. The private key is with the entity or person applying the electronic seal.

Private keys secure the data from unauthorized access and they should be kept confidential. 

Public Key

The public key is distributed to those who verify the electronic seal. The public key authenticates the digital signatures.

Certificate Authority (CA)

The third-party organizations issuing digital certificates are known as certificate authorities. These certificates link the identification of the organization or person owning the private key to a public key.

The public key’s and the corresponding electronic seal’s legitimacy must be attested to by the CA.

Hashing Algorithm

Hash is a fixed unique-sized representation of the document’s content. It is also part of the digital signature and verifies the integrity of the document.

Each time there is a change on the document, a new hash will be generated. 

Seal Symbol or Image

Some of the electronic seals have visual images or symbols. They authenticate the document.

Timestamp

It records the exact time and date when the document is sealed. It avoids backdating and helps in the transparency of the seal details.

Verification and Authentication software

E-signature solutions are used to apply electronic seals to protect sensitive information. The solutions use advanced cryptographic methods to generate and authenticate digital signatures.

What are the benefits of Electronic Seals?

Electronic signatures ensure confidential documents are secured and protected. They have several benefits. Keep reading to know all about it.

• • Improved Security

The cryptographic techniques used by electronic seals offer a high level of security which prevents data from being forged or accessed illegally. 

• • Authenticity

Electronic seals authenticate the documents ensuring that the documents received are legit and verified.

• • Data Integrity

The electronic seals make sure that the document seal is not broken until it is received by the intended party. The seal also makes sure that the document cannot be further altered or modified. 

1. • Cost Savings

Electronic seals eliminate the recurring physical stamp, postage, and digital expenses.

• • Efficiency

Electronic seals have streamlined the paperwork documentation process making it faster and effective.

• • Remote Collaboration

They have enabled the documents to get signed anywhere at anytime. E-seals have eliminated the need to be physically present to sign important documents.

• • Faster Transactions

They have significantly improved turnover times and have expedited the approval and transactional processes. 

• • Digital Records Management

They have made it possible for the companies to digitally record their transactions. 

Signit: Best Digital Seal & Signature Solution in the Market

An electronic seal solution for your business should be decided very carefully. You need to consider all your business requirements and go for the tool that offers a one-in-all solution.

E-sealing tools will ensure the integrity and authenticity of all the transactional documentation of your business operations. Do your research before giving-in to the market scams.

Signit is the premiere digital Saudi-born solution for all your electronic seal requirements. It is a renowned name designed specifically for the Middle East market and Saudi Arabia.

The regional competency makes it a very secure and highly encrypted solution which ensures that all documents are legally binding.

The e-seal feature is not only user-friendly but also checks off all the boxes which makes it one of the finest e-seal solutions in the industry.

From enhancing the customer experience to tracking all records of transactional data, Signit does it all. 

Conclusion

E-seal is a very important part of how businesses operate in the digital world. Choose Signit as your digital signature platform and leave it up to it to provide you with an amazing hassle-free e-signing experience that also ensures that the confidentiality of the documents is intact.