Electronic Signature and its types – which option is the safest?

Electronic signatures are now highly relevant not only for businesses but also for individual users ordering various services online. With a digital signature, contracts, and other documents can be signed quickly and securely, financial or administrative processes recorded, and identities verified. As digitalization rapidly expands into more areas of life, the role of the electronic signature continues to grow. While speed and efficiency are often highlighted, security must also be a top priority. So, what are the differences between the various types of electronic signatures, and which one is the most secure?

Types of Electronic Signatures

In the EU, including Lithuania, electronic signatures are governed by the eIDAS regulation, which defines three main types:

• Simple Electronic Signature
• Time-Stamped Signature
• Qualified Electronic Signature (QES)

A Simple Electronic Signature is any electronic data used to sign a document – this can be a scanned handwritten signature, clicking “I agree,” or entering a name. It’s suitable for basic agreements or online contracts.

A Time-Stamped Signature is a more secure alternative. It adds information about the exact time of signing, proving that the document hasn’t been altered since. It’s particularly useful for archiving documents for 10+ years. In Lithuania, this service is provided by the State Enterprise Centre of Registers.

An even more secure method involves a qualified timestamp with a digital seal, which ZebraSign has innovated. This combines a biometric handwritten signature with a qualified electronic seal and timestamp, locking the document content and making it significantly more secure than a simple electronic signature.

ZebraSign innovation – Biometric Signature with Qualified Seal

ZebraSign introduces a new technology: a biometric handwritten signature with a qualified electronic seal and timestamp. This innovation locks the content, captures unique biometric data, and secures it with a qualified seal, offering the highest level of security – protecting documents from changes and enhancing authenticity.

QES – The most reliable choice

The Qualified Electronic Signature (QES) is one of the most trusted types. Recognised across the EU, it legally equals a handwritten signature. It requires identity verification and uses qualified certificates and secure signature creation devices. Most QES solutions also include a qualified timestamp, recording the signature’s exact time. Any document alteration invalidates the signature, and authentication requires a PIN or biometric confirmation.

QES is used in government communications, legal contracts, public procurement, e-voting, and financial operations. Although highly secure and legally recognised EU-wide, QES might pose technical challenges – such as requiring a smartphone. In such cases, biometric signing with a timestamp can be a more practical alternative.

How to choose the right signature? Balancing security and convenience

The best signing method depends on the use case and the required security level.

• Use a simple signature for everyday tasks.
• Choose a timestamped signature for long-term reliability.
• Opt for a qualified electronic signature (QES) when the highest legal and security standards are needed.

The Importance of a reliable provider

Only qualified providers can issue secure electronic signatures. A good provider offers both high security and a smooth user experience. With ZebraSign, users benefit from both. Choose a plan tailored to your or your business’s needs – whether it’s for one-time signing, regular workflow integration, or secure document storage – and connect your entire team for daily digital document use.

Electronic signature services are a vital step toward simpler and safer remote document management. Try ZebraSign today or contact us for a customised solution tailored to your business.

Interested in learning more? Visit zebrasign.com or get in touch for a consultation – we’ll help you digitalise your document signing processes.