In the digital era, signing documents no longer means meeting in person or dealing with stacks of paperwork. But many people still confuse digital signatures with simple scanned signatures. Although they might look similar at first glance, the level of security, legality, and trust are very different.
What is a Scanned Signature?
A scanned signature is simply your handwritten signature that you scan or take a photo of. People often paste this image into PDF files, Word documents, or emails to make the document “look” signed.
While this seems practical, a scanned signature is nothing more than an image. It does not have any built-in security layer to prove:
- Who signed it
- When it was signed
- Whether the document has been changed afterward
In other words, a scanned signature can be easily copied, reused, or forged. There is no way to verify its authenticity.
What is a Digital Signature?
A digital signature, on the other hand, is a legally recognized electronic method to sign documents. It uses cryptographic technology to create a unique fingerprint that links:
- The signer’s identity
- The exact time of signing
- The integrity of the document
When you sign digitally, your signature is not just an image — it’s an encrypted certificate embedded in the file. If someone tries to alter the document, the signature automatically becomes invalid.
Key Differences You Need to Know
To understand the importance of a true digital signature, let’s break down the main differences:
1. Security
- Scanned Signature:
Anyone who gets your image file can copy and paste it into another document. There’s no encryption or verification. - Digital Signature:
Uses encryption keys to ensure that only the verified signer can create the signature. Any tampering makes the signature invalid.
2. Authenticity
- Scanned Signature:
Does not prove who actually signed the document. Anyone could have inserted the image. - Digital Signature:
Proves the identity of the signer through a trusted Certificate Authority (CA) or e-signature provider. This makes it legally binding in many countries.
3. Integrity
- Scanned Signature:
After adding a scanned signature, someone could still edit the content. You wouldn’t know. - Digital Signature:
Any modification to the signed document will break the signature. This guarantees the document is original.
4. Compliance & Legality
- Scanned Signature:
Rarely holds up in court as strong evidence. There’s no audit trail. - Digital Signature:
Meets electronic signature regulations such as eIDAS (EU), ESIGN Act (US), and Indonesia’s UU ITE. It is recognized as legally binding.
5. Audit Trail
- Scanned Signature:
No logs. No traceability. - Digital Signature:
Comes with an audit trail that records who signed, when, where (IP address), and on what device.
Why Businesses Should Stop Using Scanned Signatures
Many companies still rely on scanned signatures for internal approvals, contracts, or even legal documents. But this practice exposes businesses to high risks:
- Forgery and fraud: Anyone can copy your signature image.
- Document tampering: No way to track changes.
- Legal disputes: Weak evidence in court.
- Non-compliance: Does not meet electronic signature laws.
When your company handles sensitive contracts, NDAs, or financial documents, a scanned signature simply isn’t enough.
The Real Impact of Using True Digital Signatures
Switching to digital signatures protects your business by:
- Ensuring signer identity with verified credentials.
- Securing the integrity of every document.
- Speeding up workflows with remote, real-time signing.
- Meeting compliance with local and global regulations.
- Building trust with clients, partners, and regulators.
How Beeza Supports Secure Digital Signing
Beeza’s digital signature solution gives businesses a modern way to sign documents securely and legally.
Here’s what makes Beeza different:
✅ Strong Encryption: Every signature is protected with advanced cryptography.
✅ Identity Verification: Verify signers with e-KYC, face match, or OTP.
✅ Real-Time Signing: Sign and approve documents from anywhere, anytime.
✅ Audit Trail: Every action is logged for transparency.
✅ Easy Integration: Beeza’s API lets you add digital signatures into your apps or workflows seamlessly.
Common Use Cases
Beeza’s digital signatures are perfect for:
- Contracts and agreements
- Purchase orders
- NDAs
- HR documents
- Financial transactions
- Legal documents
Whether you’re a startup, corporation, or fintech company — secure signing is a must-have.
Conclusion: Don’t Risk Your Business With Weak Signatures
A scanned signature might feel convenient, but it’s not secure, legal, or reliable. A true digital signature protects your documents, strengthens trust, and keeps your business safe from fraud and disputes.
Ready to Switch to Secure Digital Signatures?
Beeza helps you sign important documents quickly and securely — no more printing, scanning, or drama.
👉 Visit beeza.id to explore how we can secure your digital workflow.
👉 Follow @beeza_id for tips on safe digital verification.
Start signing the smart way — say goodbye to risky scanned signatures today!