How to Validate a Signed Document

At NextSign, we have implemented several measures to ensure that documents signed through our signature solution maintain a high level of security and integrity. With advanced encryption methods and streamlined validation processes, we make it easy for both businesses and individuals to secure their digital signatures. Our system is designed to continuously validate and evaluate documents, ensuring that both sender and recipient can achieve a final and reliable conclusion in any situation.

Why Choose NextSign?

By choosing NextSign, you get a modern signature solution that combines user-friendliness with advanced security. We use a range of security mechanisms that both protect your data and the integrity of the documents, and our platform is developed to meet the highest industry standards. Here are some of the security features we offer:

• Cryptographic Security: We use the latest encryption techniques, such as AES, to protect your data and ensure that signatures cannot be forged. AES is both a secure and cost-effective solution, which is also fully applicable in any legal proceedings.
• Timestamps and Audit Logs: Each signature is accompanied by a precise timestamp and detailed log files. This provides you with a clear overview of the document's change history and helps you document the authenticity of the signature.
• User Authentication: Our signature system uses eID’s to verify the identity of all signers. This ensures that only authorized parties can sign the document and prevents unauthorized access.

Signature Methods We Offer:

We offer different signature methods that cater to various security needs and requirements:

• Simple Electronic Signature (SES): This method is used when a basic electronic signature is sufficient. SES allows users to sign via a handwritten signature in NextSign and is suitable for less sensitive documents.
• PAdEs (AES): This is our most used signature method and includes advanced encryption using AES. The PAdEs signature is used for all types of eID and is widely recognized. It is also 100% legally valid, making it ideal for business contracts and other official documents.
• Qualified Electronic Signature (QES): For companies that require extra security and third-party verification, we offer QES. This signature complies with eIDAS regulations and requires external certification, ensuring maximum legal validity throughout the EU.

How to Validate a Document?

At NextSign, we have made it easy to validate a signed document. Follow these simple steps to ensure that your document is authentic and unchanged:

1. Download the document: Ensure you have the signed version of the document saved on your device so that you have a secure copy for validation.
2. Use NextSign’s validation tool: Upload the document to our validation portal, and enter the document's "document key," which can be found on the right side of your signed document.
3. Verify the document's validity: Once the document is uploaded, NextSign conducts a thorough check to verify the document's integrity and the authenticity of the signatures. Our validation algorithm guarantees that the signature is unchanged and correct.

The Purpose of Validation

The purpose of validation is to ensure that the document is credible and legally binding. Our validation process ensures the following:

• The document has not been changed since all parties signed it, so no unauthorized alteration has occurred.
• The document is free from added pages or manipulation, such as via PDF merging.
• All data and digital signatures match the original file and signature time.

Document Validity:

After validation, you receive a clear indication of the document's status:

For a valid document: If a document is valid and unchanged, this will be clearly indicated on the certificate. You will also get an overview of when the document was completed and signed by all parties, which strengthens the document's evidential value.

For an invalid document: If a document is not marked as valid, a rejection will be displayed along with a deviation percentage. This provides insight into how much the document may differ from the original and helps identify changes.

How to Find a Log Overview on a Case in NextSign

NextSign provides access to detailed log overviews for each case, making it possible to follow all actions related to a document.

1. Go to your NextSign Account: Log in to NextSign via our website and access your account overview.
2. Find the relevant case: Navigate to your case overview and find the specific case you want to view log data for.
3. Click on the Eye Icon: Click the eye icon next to the chosen case to access the details.
4. Review log or recipient log: You can view log information specifically for each signer or get a comprehensive case log that shows each action and change across users.

The log overview allows you to see exact timestamps, user activity, and specific details about changes and signatures. This is an invaluable tool for maintaining transparency and security in handling important documents.