We are hearing more and more about electronic signatures and qualified certificates. Many users wonder how they differ and why an electronic signature alone may not be enough. If you're thinking, "why do I need a qualified certificate when I've already bought a signature?", this article will dispel your doubts.
A qualified certificate is a special type of electronic certificate, issued by a qualified trust service provider in accordance with the EU Regulation eIDAS. It confirms the identity of the person signing the documents and is a key element of a qualified electronic signature - the only form of e-signature that has the same legal force as a handwritten signature.
In practice, we explain it to customers like this: an electronic signature is just a technical tool. In order for it to have legal significance, it must be linked to the confirmed identity of the user. And it is this function that a qualified certificate performs.
For a simple signature, it is enough to provide an e-mail. For an advanced one - there comes, for example, an SMS code. But only a qualified signature is based on a personally issued certificate, obtained after confirming identity (e.g. by video-verification or stationary visit).
Only the connection:
Electronic signature is a broad term that encompasses different levels of security - from simple signatures (e.g., a click "I accept" or an e-mail with an attachment) to more complex solutions with two-step authentication.
However, only a qualified electronic signature, based on a qualified certificate, has full legal force equivalent to a handwritten signature. It is the only one:
This is one of the most common questions.
Indeed, many people buy a so-called electronic signature, not realizing that it may only be an advanced signature - without the legal force equivalent to a handwritten signature. Only the attachment of a qualified certificate gives the signature full legal effectiveness.
When is a qualified certificate necessary?
Electronic signatures can take many forms - from simple to advanced. But if you want full legal force, compliance with EU law and acceptance in public institutions, choose a qualified signature. It is qualified certificate makes your digital signature fully equivalent to a handwritten signature.
Electronically signed documents remain valid, provided the signature was valid at the time it was submitted. However, to ensure long-term credibility, it is worthwhile to use signature preservation mechanisms such as time stamping and archiving. Regular maintenance is the key to avoiding legal problems and ensuring the authenticity of documents for many years to come. Read more about it here
Meeting the above requirements is key to ensuring the digital security of electronic documents and trust in electronic transactions.
Do you want to learn more about a specific digital trust requirement or service? We would be happy to help!
