While the terms "electronic signature" and "digital signature" are often used interchangeably, they are not the same thing. An electronic signature is a broad term that refers to any method of signing a document electronically, including typed names or scanned images, attached to a record with the intent to sign. A digital signature, on the other hand, is a specific type of electronic signature that uses encryption technology to verify the authenticity of the signatory and ensure the integrity of the signed document. Digital signatures use a certificate-based digital ID issued by a trusted third-party, or certificate authority (CA), to bind a digital signature to a specific signatory. Digital signatures typically require specialized software and a hardware token to create, sign, and verify the signature.