What is a Biometric Signature?

What is a Biometric Signature?

In recent years, the digital world has transformed many aspects of our daily lives and work. Among the technologies that have revolutionised the way we manage documents and transactions is the biometric signature, a solution that is becoming increasingly common in both the public and private sectors. In this article, we will explore what a biometric signature is, how it works, its benefits, and its legal and security implications.

A biometric signature is an advanced electronic signature based on the collection and analysis of biometric data during signing on a digital device, such as a tablet or smartphone. Unlike a traditional handwritten signature on paper, the graphometric signature is recorded through sensors that capture parameters such as speed, pressure, acceleration, and pen tilt. This data creates a unique and unrepeatable profile, linked directly to the identity of the signer.
Biometric signatures are particularly useful in contexts that require high levels of security and authentication, such as banking, insurance, and public administration. They enable the signing of electronic documents with legal validity comparable to that of a traditional handwritten signature.

How does a biometric signature work?

The process begins when a person signs a digital document on a touchscreen device with a stylus. During the signing, biometric data is captured and encrypted, ensuring that it is accessible only to authorised systems for authentication. This biometric data is then permanently associated with the electronic document, guaranteeing its integrity and authenticity.
Protecting biometric data is critical. Such information must be processed in compliance with privacy regulations, such as GDPR in Europe, and stored securely to prevent unauthorised access. Encryption and the use of digital certificates are key to safeguarding the process.

Benefits of biometric signatures

Biometric signatures are ideal for both younger and older populations, particularly in healthcare organisations. Their simplicity and intuitive nature allow anyone to sign documents quickly and securely, while streamlining processes compared to traditional methods.

Key benefits include:

• Process Simplification: Reduces paper usage, streamlines document management, and enables full digitalisation, saving time and costs in printing, archiving, and distribution.
• Enhanced Security: Biometric data is unique to each individual, making forgery extremely difficult and ensuring higher security compared to traditional signatures or other forms of electronic authentication.
• Legal Compliance: Recognised in many countries as an advanced electronic signature, providing authenticity of the signer and integrity of the document, in line with regulatory requirements.
• Ease of Use: Especially effective for users less familiar with technology, such as elderly individuals, ensuring a smooth, intuitive, and accessible signing process also remotely.
  

Advantages of the EnSign 11 NFC biometric Pad

The EnSign 11 NFC pad offers several advantages that enhance the efficiency and security of biometric signing:

• Fast Data Acquisition: The integrated NFC module allows quick and precise identity verification, reducing waiting times and improving operational efficiency.
• Large, Clear Display: The 10.1-inch screen provides excellent visibility, enabling users to fully review documents before signing, thereby improving transparency and trust.
• High-Level Security: AES-256 encryption ensures sensitive data is fully protected against unauthorised access.
• User-Friendly Experience: A simple and intuitive interface makes the signing process easy, even for less tech-savvy users.
• Versatile Applications: Suitable across industries such as banking, healthcare, insurance, and retail, helping to reduce bureaucracy and improve efficiency.

Legal and Privacy Considerations

To ensure compliance, biometric pads should feature a screen of at least 10 inches, enabling clear document review prior to signing. This guarantees the signer can fully understand the terms and conditions.

• GDPR (EU Regulation 2016/679): Requires explicit and informed consent for processing sensitive personal data, which must be free, informed, specific, and revocable at any time.
• eIDAS Regulation: Recognises biometric signatures as advanced electronic signatures. To be valid, they must ensure signer identification, uniqueness of the biometric data, and document integrity.

Privacy is fundamental, as biometric data qualifies as personal and sensitive. Organisations must adopt strong technical and organisational measures to securely store and use such data only for its intended purposes.

Applications and Use Cases

Biometric signatures are already applied in numerous contexts:

• Banking: Opening accounts, signing contracts, and managing financial transactions directly on digital devices.
• Healthcare: Capturing informed consent from patients quickly and securely.
• Insurance: Approving contracts on-site or remotely, saving time and enhancing customer convenience.
• Retail: Signing financing agreements for major purchases in a faster, paperless way.
• Public Administration: Digitally signing official documents at service counters, reducing queues and eliminating paper.
  

Looking Ahead

The adoption of biometric signatures is set to expand further as digitalisation continues to integrate into society. With the evolution of biometric technologies and security systems, we can expect even greater adoption, making signing processes more secure, faster, and user-friendly.

Conclusion

Biometric signatures represent an innovative and secure solution for managing digital documents, delivering clear benefits in terms of speed, security, and legal compliance. While challenges remain  particularly around biometric data protection and user adoption  the advantages far outweigh the obstacles. As digitalisation progresses, biometric signatures are likely to become a widespread standard, ensuring administrative and bureaucratic processes are more efficient and secure.