ProofSpace White Paper
Electronic Signature Assurance
& the Digital Chain-of-Evidence
Executing Legally Admissible Digitally Signed Records
by Jacques R. Francoeur, B.A.Sc., M.A.Sc., MBA
ProofSpace
900 Clancy Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(312) 933.8823
www.proofspace.com
ProofSpace White Paper
Electronic Signature Assurance & the Digital Chain-of-Evidence — Revised July 007
ProofSpace
900 Clancy Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(312) 933.8823
www.proofspace.com
Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary
3
. Electronic Signatures shall be Equivalent to Handwritten
Signatures — Easier Said than Done
4
3. What needs to be Equivalent — an Electronic Signature?
5
4. The Challenges and Risks of the Electronic Medium
9
5. The Formation of a Digitally Signed Record
11
6. Electronic Signature Assurance
13
6.1 Signing Module
14
6.2 Act-of-Signing
17
6.3 Signed Record
20
6.4 The Digital Chain of Evidence
24
7. The Digital Chain of Admissibility: Meeting Legal Standards
& Regulatory Requirements
6
8. Conclusion
9
About the Author
31
ProofSpace White Paper
3
Electronic Signature Assurance & the Digital Chain-of-Evidence — Revised July 007
ProofSpace
900 Clancy Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(312) 933.8823
www.proofspace.com
1. Executive Summary
The vast majority of information today is generated and processed in electronic form.
Consequently the majority of business conducted today is in part or entirely electronic.
However, the need to obtain signatures causes business processes to be driven to
the physical world, resulting, not only, in delays and costs, but also, in the loss of
competitiveness and the ability to adapt. The objective is simple — maintain an end-
to-end electronic state throughout the business process. But are electronic signatures
legal? Are they regulatory compliant? Can I hold my management accountable for
approvals and decisions? Are my contracts enforceable? Can I have the same degree of
control and security over my business? The answer is yes, if done c