The role of biometric authentication in e-Signatures

How do biometric e-signatures work?

Every day, people commonly use biometric authentication by using facial recognition or a fingerprint to log into their phones, but how is it used when signing documents? Biometric authentication relies on individuals' unique biological characteristics to ensure they are who they say they are. It can be used to access secure systems and is especially useful when confirming identification for a signature. Using various biometric authentication methods, an organisation can verify that a signer is there remotely. Biometric authentication allows users to sign documents remotely without needing a physical ID. 

When users log in to an e-signature platform, their biometric data is captured during enrollment. When users access an e-signature platform to sign a document, they are asked to verify their identity with a biological characteristic. The biometric data captured is then compared to the data stored in the platform. The system reviews the characteristics and judges whether the characteristics are similar enough to be the same person. It can be more convenient and straightforward for a user to use their biometric data than having to remember a password or provide a physical ID.

What are the types of biometric authentication methods?

In today’s digital world, customers are used to seamless digital experiences, and using biometric data contributes to this. There are several types of biometric authentication methods, and each offers different kinds of security:

• Facial: This function maps a user's facial features and stores the information in a database. When asked for ID, their faces are scanned again and checked to match their features.

• Fingerprint: Fingerprint matching similarly scans your fingerprint's unique ridges, stores them in the database, and matches the ridges when you use your fingerprint to authenticate in the future.

• Retina: A complex algorithm scans the iris and stores the data so that your eye has to be rechecked for authentication. The iris is hard to replicate, so it tends to be highly secure, but retina scanning is typically expensive.

• Voice: Unique vocal characteristics are stored, and the voice can be used for authentication. This method is less secure as impersonators can fool the vocal recognition technology.

What are the security advantages of providing biometric authentication for electronic signatures?

Cybersecurity is increasingly critical as several threats to e-commerce and online contracts exist. Cybercriminals can use methods like malware, hacking, and data breaches to commit fraud and gain access to secure details. Using biometric methods can enhance the security around verifying a user's identity, and using government-issued documents and biometric methods protects individuals and organisations from signature fraud and unauthorised access. When using biometric authentication in a good e-signature platform, there will also be an audit trail - should there ever be a dispute over a contract, the e-signature platform will store the audit trail information and confirm the signature if there is a court case.

What are the Different Methods of E-Signature and ID Verification?

There are three main types of digital electronic signatures: simple electronic signatures, advanced electronic signatures, and qualified electronic signatures. A simple electronic signature does not require ID verification, but some types of contracts and agreements do require ID verification. An advanced electronic signature (AES) is used where transactions or contracts have a higher value. Users have to pass a biometric detection check and often use a unique access code after the signing process. AES establishes a unique link between the signer and their signature. For example, when customers open a bank account, they will be asked to submit a government ID and pass a biometric test. 

A Qualified Electronic Signature (QES) can provide the same level of security as physical ID verification and remote witness attestation. A QES offers a face-to-face or equivalent ID verification process by a Qualified Trust Service Provider. There is a list of approved Trust Service Providers in the EU and the UK. Docusign is also a Qualified Trust Service Provider. QES requires identity authentication before a digital certificate is issued. There are multiple QES with ID verification options. For example, commercial law firm KARIMI.legal clients can now carry out identification checks comfortably from their homes, offices or other locations for legal documents such as power of attorney. This process offers simplicityfor the customer, as they can use qualified electronic signatures to meet regulatory requirements, and it reduces administrative costs for the legal firm. 

What methods of ID verification does Docusign use?

Docuasign ID Verification offers various options to prove identity. The verification process checks the legitimacy of the identifiers provided on an application, such as name, mailing address, phone number, and email address. Beyond traditional physical forms of identification, digital methods can include a fingerprint, facial scan, copy of a driver’s licence, “liveness” checks and other means. Verification isn’t required for every agreement but is essential for high-value and regulated transactions. (Identity authentication is the process of proving that a person is the same person who has been previously verified and associated with an account.)

The level of identity required is often chosen based on the security needed in each situation. For example, a password could be enough for a routine interaction. Within the Docusign Identity portfolio, there are several different solutions that can help with high-value and secure transactions. Here’s more information on Docusign ID Verification Methods. One method requires signers to provide government-issued identity documents before they can pass a simple biometric analysis, which is also referred to as liveness detection.

How Do AI and Liveness Detection Enhance Biometric Authentication?

Liveness detection technology prevents identity impersonation by using biometric checks powered by artificial intelligence to compare the photo on the signer's identity document with the video selfie they are asked to take as part of the verification process. The liveness detection software can detect movements such as blinking and smiling. Using liveness detection ensures that only relevant authentication information is captured, reducing the risk of violating any privacy. It ensures the person signing is physically present and does not use an image gathered elsewhere. Using liveness detection ensures people are accurately validated at the time of signing. The benefits are that it:

• Ensures the recipient is they are who they say they are

• Ensures the identity documents are genuine and match the photo

• Ensures that the signer is present at the time of signing 

What Role Does Biometrics Play in the Future of Digital Security?

Biometrics provide an accurate and highly reliable method for confirming someone’s identity remotely. Biometric authentication is likely to play an increasingly important role in cybersecurity practices. It is often a more convenient way for customers to sign and helps prevent fraud. Biometric authentication will become increasingly popular as it secures the digital environment and makes our lives safer and more efficient. Discover more about biometric authentication with Docusign.