Electronic signatures have quickly moved from being a convenience to becoming an essential part of modern business transactions. As adoption has grown, so too has the focus on ensuring security, compliance, and trust. Platforms like SignNow have evolved well beyond basic online document signing to offer enterprise-grade capabilities that safeguard regulated data and support high-value contracts. In this blog, we’ll look at how SignNow delivers on these expectations through advanced encryption, strong authentication, industry certifications, comprehensive audit trails, and legally binding enforceability.
TL;DR: Everything You Need to Know
- What It Is:
SignNow is a secure eSignature platform that protects sensitive agreements using AES-256 encryption, identity verification tools, compliance with certifications, and auditable tamper-evident audit trails. - Why You Care:
Protection of business and healthcare agreements against fraud, protection of healthcare data to comply with laws like HIPAA, and providing legal admissibility for the signed document. - Core Functions:
End-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication, SSO, mobile biometrics, HIPAA mode and BAA, SOC 2 Type II certified, and court-readiness audit trail. - What SignNow Does:
Supports enterprise-grade document security with AES-256 security, configurable signer authentication for the reader, HIPAA-compliant data retention, and exportable audit trail for legibility in a court of law.
Table of Contents
How SignNow’s Encryption Arrangement Fits Enterprise Needs/Requirements
SignNow uses Transport Layer Security (TLS) 1.2/1.3 and AES-256 encryption to encrypt and protect data in transit, and then AES-256 for documents at rest. Overall, this is the gold standard pairing to protect sensitive data while keeping scalability in mind for organizations. For example, additional data assurance for healthcare and finance organizations could consider storing data in a secure US-based data center.
This encryption protects documents either in transit or when they are stored because unauthorized parties cannot access, intercept, or tamper with them. Encryption also supports compliance mandates. Finance and healthcare industries, for instance, could incur significant fines for a data breach based on regulations, which is why AES-256 is critical as it provides compliance assurance, not just a standard. AES-256 is a trusted encryption framework adopted worldwide by enterprises and government organizations alike.
From the SaaSworthy Perspective:
AES-256 encryption is not just a checkbox feature. Most SaaS buyers include AES-256 in their top three non-negotiable security requirements for an eSignature platform. AES-256 signals to compliance teams that the provider operates in the zero-trust security dimension. For buyers, SignNow ensures security and future relevance as enterprise IT continues to evolve.
In What Ways Does SignNow Enhance Authentication for Users and Signers?
There is a saying that electronic signatures are only as strong as the mechanisms verifying the person behind them. SignNow employs multiple layers of authentication that increase both security and convenience.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA/MFA):
Senders can require signers to authenticate through SMS, phone calls, or passwords before gaining access. This decreases the chance of forwarding an email or sharing a link. - Single Sign-On (SSO):
SAML-based integrations with Okta, OneLogin, Entra ID, and others help alleviate password sprawl and enable centralized IT security policies. - Mobile Biometrics:
On iOS devices, signers can use Touch ID, making it unnecessary to authenticate separately—the device’s native features confirm identity.
While no authentication process can prevent all unauthorized access, these layers of protection enhance accountability and legal enforceability.
SaaSworthy Insight:
Organizations increasingly prioritize SaaS platforms with SSO and MFA. These authentication layers tie directly to identity governance strategies and influence vendor selection. For SaaS procurement teams, SignNow balances strong security requirements with user experience.
How Can SignNow’s Compliance Certifications Provide Confidence?
While security features are critical, third-party validation establishes confidence at scale.
- SOC 2 Type II compliance validates not just that controls are appropriate but that they remain effective over time.
- HIPAA compliance is offered with a signed Business Associate Agreement (BAA), reassuring healthcare users of safe, compliant use.
Compliance frameworks act as external attestations that SignNow meets recognized industry standards. SOC 2 Type II confirms effective controls, while HIPAA compliance assures healthcare organizations that they face no regulatory risks.
SaaSworthy Insight:
In regulated industries, compliance certifications are table stakes. Providers without SOC 2 or HIPAA alignment rarely make it through procurement. By offering these certifications, SignNow expands its appeal across mid-market and enterprise organizations, demonstrating credibility and enterprise readiness.
How Dependable Are SignNow’s Auditing Trails and Tamper-Evidence?
Every document signed with SignNow includes a granular audit trail recording:
- Full names
- Emails
- IP addresses
- Timestamps
- Authentication methods
Exportable audit histories create a verifiable chain of custody, ensuring accountability for internal reviews, external audits, and legal proceedings.
SaaSworthy Insight:
Audit trails are a distinguishing feature of leading eSignature platforms. They not only assure compliance but also limit legal risks by providing defensible proof in disputes. SignNow’s detailed, transparent audit logs give organizations stronger footing as a court-ready solution.
Are SignNow Signatures Considered Valid in a Court of Law?
Yes.
- U.S. Law: SignNow complies with the ESIGN Act and UETA, granting electronic signatures equal legal status to wet signatures if specific criteria are satisfied.
- International Law: Compliance with eIDAS ensures signatory recognition throughout the EU and UK.
For admissibility, signatures must:
- Be linked to an individual
- Be associated with an event
- Reflect intent and consent to transact electronically
- Include tamper-evident records
SignNow’s encryption, authentication, and audit logs ensure compliance with these standards.
SaaSworthy Insight:
Legal defensibility is central to SaaS evaluations. Meeting ESIGN, UETA, and eIDAS standards out-of-the-box ensures contracts will stand up in court, giving organizations peace of mind across multiple jurisdictions.
How Does SignNow Stand in the Landscape of SaaS Security?
With AES-256 encryption, enterprise authentication, SOC 2 and HIPAA compliance, and verifiable audit trails, SignNow provides a secure yet user-friendly solution. It balances regulatory requirements with usability for SMBs and large enterprises alike.
SaaSworthy Insight:
Industries such as Business Services, Healthcare, Construction, Finance, Real Estate, Education, Law Firms & Legal Services, Hospitality, Software, Consumer Services, Insurance, Accounting Services, Non-Profit & Charitable Organizations adopt solutions like SignNow at higher rates due to compliance needs. Compared to competitors like DocuSign, SignNow offers similar enterprise-grade features at significantly lower cost.
Final Takeaway on SignNow’s Security
SignNow shows that eSignature security is not about a single feature but a layered approach built on:
- Encryption
- Authentication
- Compliance certifications
- Audit trails
- Legal frameworks
These intersect to establish a trusted environment for all parties in a digitally signed agreement. When evaluating eSignature platforms, SignNow offers compliance readiness, transparency, and affordability, and is a compelling choice for organizations in regulated or high-value environments.
Key Takeaways
- Encryption is foundational: SignNow secures documents with AES-256 at rest and TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit, which meets enterprise-required security standards.
- Identity assurance is key: Through multi-factor authentication, single sign-on, and mobile biometric features, SignNow ensures that only pre-authorized individuals can sign or open a sensitive document.
- Compliance establishes trust: SOC 2 Type II certification and HIPAA readiness (with a signed BAA) make SignNow a player in regulated industries like healthcare and finance.
- Audit trails provide defensibility: Organizations can export, maintain tamper evidence in, and therefore rely on the exportable audit logs for compliance audits or potential litigation.
- No legal framework gaps: SignNow signatures are legal under and recognized within ESIGN, UETA, and eIDAS legal frameworks within the US, EU, and UK territories.
- SaaS positioned well for business: SignNow provides enterprise-grade security measures at a lower price point, which appeals to both SMB and large enterprise businesses.
- Strategic business value: SignNow combines usability with security features, providing a double value proposition in reducing risk, enabling faster digital transformation of businesses, and enabling a higher level of trust from customers and partners.
FAQs
Is SignNow HIPAA compliant right away?
No, HIPAA compliance requires a Corporate or Enterprise plan, and a signed BAA and HIPAA mode must be enabled.
What identity verification options can I require signers?
You can have them use passwords, SMS/phone codes, document passwords, biometrics (Touch ID), or use SSO with SAML.
How does SignNow protect my documents from being tampered with?
Utilizing cryptographic signatures that are tamper-evident and a complete audit trail guarantees detection of activity post-signing.
Are SignNow signatures legally binding everywhere?
Yes, SignNow signatures are legally binding under ESIGN and UETA in the U.S. and eIDAS in the EU. Other jurisdictions may vary, and certain document types may require additional measures.
What’s Next if a data breach occurs?
SignNow follows stringent SOC 2 and HIPAA protocols for investigation, remediation, notification, and log retention.
