Self-identification of electronically scanned signatures (ESS) and digitally constructed signatures (DCS)

Abstract

The use of electronic signatures as a form of identification is increasingly common, yet they have been shown to lack the dynamic features found in online signatures. In this study, handwritten signatures were scanned to produce electronically scanned signatures (ESS) which were then digitally altered to produce digitally constructed signatures (DCS). The ESS and DCS were presented back to participants to identify which were genuine. Only 1% of participants correctly identified all signatures, with a mean score of 57.6% identifications. The lack of self-recognition of ESS raises questions on their reliability and usefulness as means of personal identification.

Keywords

• forensic sciences
• signature
• handwriting
• questioned document analysis
• electronic signature
• digital signature
• simulation