Which signature type does Paubox forms use?

Paubox Forms uses electronic signatures, offering options for both signature drawing and typed signatures.

Which type of electronic signature does Paubox Forms use?

Paubox Forms provides electronic signature capabilities, supporting both hand-drawn and typed signatures based on the information provided. In Paubox article on the topic of their Forms feature, “Require form fillers to provide a signature. Choose between the option to request a signature drawing or a typed signature.” These options indicate that Paubox Forms employs electronic signature technology, which typically includes methods for users to either draw their signature using a mouse or touchscreen, or type it into a designated field. 

What are e-signatures?

Based on an Elsevier-PMC Covid 19 Collection study, “An e-signature consists of e-signature image and digital signature. E-signature is generally associated with a number of technologies, allows a person (or machine) to electronically mark a document, and can enable innovative document management processes. In other words, e-signature provides electronic authentication and a process to verify the identity of users with a stand-alone mainframe, network, or Internet-based system to control access or authorize transactions.”

An electronic signature, or e-signature, is a digital way for people to give consent or approval on electronic documents or forms. It's useful because it speeds up the process of signing documents without needing physical paperwork, making transactions faster and more efficient in environments like business or healthcare. 

What sets them apart from digital signatures is primarily their scope: e-signatures can include a variety of forms like typed names, a recorded verbal agreement, or a scanned handwritten signature. Digital signatures on the other hand are a specific type of e-signature that uses cryptographic techniques to provide a more advanced level of security. While digital signatures can be more secure, this does not mean that there are not methods of creating similar protection for e-signatures.

Why e-signatures used within Paubox Forms are secure?

The e-signatures collected through Paubox Forms benefit from heightened security due to their integration with the Paubox Email Suite. This suite provides a secure environment by encrypting all data sent by the HIPAA compliant email service, including e-signatures, both during transmission and while stored. 

When a user completes a signature, whether drawn or typed, on a Paubox Form, this data is immediately encrypted. This means that only authorized persons can access or decrypt it, protecting it from potential cyber threats. The Paubox system itself, which includes the Email Suite and its APIs, is designed to be HIPAA compliant. 

See also: Top 12 HIPAA compliant email services

FAQs

What are the different types of signatures?

The different types of signatures include handwritten signatures, electronic signatures (e-signatures), and digital signatures.

Are e-signatures easy to use?

Yes, they can be quickly executed with just a few clicks or taps, eliminating the need for physical paperwork and streamlining the signing process.

What forms of encryption are HIPAA compliant?

TLS 1.2 or higher.