Electronic signature

An electronic signature is a means of uniquely identifying (authenticating) the user of a computer to control access or authorize a transaction. Electronic signatures can use several technologies including personal identification numbers, smart cards, biometrics (i.e., digital fingerprints, retinal scans, or voice recognition), or digital signatures (an encrypted set of bits that identify the user).

Electronic signatures can be used for access or control of either stand-alone computers or of Internet-based transactions. The most common electronic signature technology in use today is the digital signature.