What are the different types of digital signatures?

There are several types of electronic signatures: simple electronic signatures (SES), advanced electronic signatures (AES) and qualified electronic signatures (QES). These three types have some differences between them, which will be explained below.

Simple Electronic Signatures (SES)

SES is the simplest type of e-signing. You don’t need hardware ( such as e.g. an eID-card reader) to sign a contract. SES include all types of e-signing that don’t meet the criteria to be classified as AES or QES. Within SES, there are several possibilities:

• Manual signing

  Manual signing is in fact a digital signature you draw with your mouse or touchpad. This type of signing relies on the information the initiator provides. Bear in mind that it is difficult to draw a signature with a mouse. With manual e-signing you can’t verify the identity of the signatory at the moment of signing. It’s recommended to only use manual signing when you’re able to do it face to face.

• E-mail OTP

  E-mail OTP stands for e-mail one-time-password. This type of singing relies on the information the initiator provides as well. With e-mail OTP the signatory receives a six digits long password to identify its identity. This code ensures a higher security level than manual signing.

• SMS OTP

  SMS OTP is basically the same as e-mail OTP, only this time you receive the password via SMS instead of an email.

Advanced Electronic Signature (AES)

This type of signatures are uniquely linked to the signatory. AES are capable of identifying the signatory and detect changes if data in the documents are changed. It enables the initiator to check the identity through the hardware that needs to be installed. However, it does not guarantee the identity. This implies that confidence between the two parties is important. Once the document is signed, the signatory can’t make any more changes. The security level of AES is higher than that of SES.

Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES)

Qualified electronic signatures are AES that come with qualified certificates and a qualified electronic signature creation device. The identity of the signatory is not only checked, but guaranteed as well. This means that QES offer a higher level of security than AES. 

QES can be executed with itsme or your eID. In order to sign with your eID, you need an eID card reader. As your eID is unique and the card reader is a qualified electronic signature creation device. 

Itsme is an application linked to the bank account or eID of the signatory. This means that a smartphone is required. Only one itsme account per person can exist, which ensures a unique link with the signatory. If you want to sign through itsme, you have to open the app and authenticate with your code, fingerprint, etc. The app will confirm your identity and the signature will be integrated. QES are the most secure form of digital signatures.

In general, it is advised to use AES or QES for all signatures that don’t take place face-to-face. However, it is important to note what type of document you are signing. A €100.000 loan is something completely different than your weekly meeting’s notes. In this last case, SES suffice, even though you might not sign this document while the other party’s present.

Burden of proof

In case of protest, there are differences between the types concerning the burden of proof. With SES the burden of proof lies with the signing party, with AES the burden of proof lies with the party that initiated the signature and with QES the burden of proof lies with the disputing party.