What is a digital signature and how does it work?
A digital signature is a mathematical and cryptographic scheme that securely binds a signer's identity to a digital document. Unlike a scanned physical signature, which can easily be copied or pasted with basic image editing software, a true digital signature cannot be forged or moved to another file.
When a document is executed in KvikSign, a cryptographic hash is computed from the document content and sealed with a digital certificate. If even a single comma or character in the PDF is modified after signing, the cryptographic seal breaks instantly, alerting any reader that the document has been tampered with.
Understanding signature tiers under EU eIDAS legislation
The European eIDAS regulation categorizes digital signatures into three tiers:
1. Simple Electronic Signature (SES): Quick confirmation methods such as drawing your signature with a mouse or finger on a touchscreen. Highly effective for low-risk approvals and customer quotes.
2. Advanced Electronic Signature (AES): Created using secure identity credentials under the signer's sole control (such as MitID or BankID). Provides rigorous proof of identity and document integrity.
3. Qualified Electronic Signature (QES): Highest technical tier requiring certified hardware creation devices and QTSP certificates, granting automatic legal equivalence to handwritten signatures across the EU.
Key business benefits: Speed, savings, and compliance
Transitioning from paper-based signatures or messy email chains to an automated signing platform delivers immediate operational gains:
• 80% Faster Turnaround: Most documents sent via KvikSign are executed within 2 hours directly on smartphones.
• Dramatic Cost Reductions: Eliminate expenses related to printing, scanning, registered mail shipping, and manual archiving.
• Automated Reminders: Built-in automated email and SMS notifications chase outstanding signers without staff intervention.
• GDPR Compliance: Eliminate lost paper contracts and insecure email attachments by centralizing agreements in secure cloud storage.
How to implement digital signing in your team in 3 simple steps
Getting started with KvikSign takes less than two minutes without technical onboarding or complex software installation:
Step 1: Upload your document (PDF, Word) or choose a reusable template.
Step 2: Add recipients and specify their signing method (MitID, Touch, or SMS).
Step 3: Click send. Monitor signing progress in real-time, and receive the finalized, sealed PDF automatically upon completion.