Electronic signature in Israel: ordinary, secure and certified

Israel has a legal framework for electronic signatures, anchored in the Electronic Signature Law, 5761–2001. The law distinguishes between several types of electronic signature, and the distinction matters because each type may carry a different meaning depending on the context.

The three types of signature

• Ordinary electronic signature — electronic data attached to or associated with a document and used for signing. This is the broadest and most flexible type.
• Secure electronic signature — a signature that meets additional conditions, including being unique to the signer, the signer’s ability to identify and control the means, and detection of any change made to the document after signing.
• Certified electronic signature — a secure electronic signature accompanied by an electronic certificate from a certifying authority, linking the signature to the signer’s identity.

How to choose the type of signature

The appropriate signature type depends on the document, the level of identification required and the legal requirements in that matter. Some documents may be satisfied with an ordinary electronic signature, while others may require a higher level of identification and security. The goal of an orderly signing process is to let the business keep a version, status and action record alongside the signature itself.

IsraeliSign focuses on making the signing and approval process clear, secure and documented — what was sent, what was opened, what was approved, who signed and when — so the business has an orderly document file instead of scattered files and messages.