The need of signature semantic handling in electronic workflow systems
In paper-based workflow systems, signatures are playing an important role in security measures. Signatures on a document are serving different purposes such as authentication, authorization and accountability. Workflow systems are moving from paper-based systems to electronic systems. Most of these electronic workflow systems include only cryptography and the use of the cryptosystem to perform digital signatures, If public-key cryptosystem is used, the digital signatures can perform authentication and non-repudiation. All other signature semantics have to be implemented by the workflow engineers in an ad hoc manner. This lack of signature semantics handling in electronic workflow environment may incur many risks in the workflow systems.
signatures semantics electronic workflow systems workflow digital signatures