Exploring the Signer Authentication Methods of BoldSign

Signer authentication is the process of verifying the identity of the signer. It is like double-checking whether the person signing the document is correct for the task. This additional layer significantly enhances the security of the document. While authentication may not be mandatory for every document, it becomes essential for highly sensitive and important ones.

In BoldSign, configuring signer authentication is a direct process that can be undertaken during the preparation of the signature request or even after the request has been created. The following sections of this blog will provide a detailed explanation of signer authentication in BoldSign.

Signer Authentication Methods

BoldSign provides five options for signer authentication: 

1. Email OTP
2. SMS OTP
3. Access Code
4. Identity verification
5. Knowledge-Based Authentication

Email OTP involves sending an automatically generated code to the recipient’s email address, ensuring a secure verification process. Similarly, SMS OTP sends an auto-generated code to the recipient’s phone number for authentication. On the other hand, the Access Code method differs in that the sender creates a specific access code during the signature request setup, which must be personally conveyed to the signer for them to access the document. Identity Verification uses a government-issued ID and an optional selfie check, while Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) verifies U.S.-based signers through identity details and public-record security questions.

Understanding the distinctions between these authentication methods and selecting the most suitable one for each signer helps for a better signing experience.

Adding Authentication During Signature Request Creation

To add authentication while creating a signature request in BoldSign, follow these steps:

• Click Create New and select Create New Document.
• Upload the required document and enter the recipient’s details.
• Expand Settings below the recipient and enable Authentication.
• Select one of the available authentication methods: Email OTP, SMS OTP, Access Code, Identity Verification, or Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA).
• Email OTP: Select Email OTP to send an automatically generated verification code to the recipient’s email address. The recipient must enter the correct OTP before accessing the document.

• SMS OTP: Select SMS OTP, enter the recipient’s phone number and country code, and an OTP will be sent when they access the document.

• Access code: Select Access Code and create a unique code for the recipient. Communicate the code separately to the signer, who must enter it correctly to access the document.

• ID verification: Select Identity Verification to verify the signer using a government-issued ID and an optional selfie check.

• KBA: Select KBA to verify U.S.-based signers using identity details and public-record security questions.

• After configuring the selected authentication method, click Next.
• Add the required signature and form fields, review the document, and click Send.
• The recipient must successfully complete the selected authentication method before accessing and signing the document.

By following these steps, you can seamlessly integrate different authentication methods based on your needs and plan type in BoldSign.

Adding Authentication to Sent Documents

In cases where you’ve already sent a signature request but wish to add authentication before the recipient signs the document, BoldSign offers a solution.

Follow these steps to add authentication after sending a document:

1. Navigate to the “My Documents” page and locate the specific document you want to add authentication to.
2. Click on the document to access its overview page.Document Overview

3. In the recipient details section, you’ll find details about the recipients. Hover over the recipient for whom you want to add authentication.
4. Look for the “Add Authentication” option in the context menu that appears.
5. Click on the “Add Authentication” option to configure and add the desired authentication method for the selected signer.

By following these steps, you can enhance the security of your signature request by incorporating authentication even after the document has been initially sent, provided that the recipient has not yet signed the document.

Editing Authentication for Sent Documents

At times, we may need to change the authentication type for signers in BoldSign for various reasons. BoldSign makes this process easy, allowing you to switch the authentication for signers even after a document has been sent.

When you need to change the authentication type in BoldSign, follow these steps:

1. Head to “My Documents” and click on the document you want to modify the authentication type. This action will take you to the document’s overview page.
2. Scroll down to the bottom of the overview page to locate “Recipient Details.”
3. In the “Recipient Details” section, note the current authentication type assigned to the recipient.
4. To change the current authentication type, choose the “Remove authentication” option from the context menu.

5. A confirmation pop-up will appear; click “Yes, remove” to proceed.

6. After successfully removing the authentication, select the “Add authentication” option from the context menu.
7. The available authentication types will be displayed. Choose the required option, and the authentication type will be updated successfully.

By following these steps, you can easily switch the authentication type for a document in BoldSign.

How does the Signer Authentication Works

When signer authentication is enabled, the signer must verify their identity before accessing the document. Email OTP sends a verification code to the signer’s email, while SMS OTP sends it to their registered phone number. With an Access Code, the signer enters a code created and shared separately by the sender. Identity Verification verifies the signer using a government-issued ID and an optional selfie check. KBA verifies U.S.-based signers using identity details and public-record security questions.

What Happens When a Document is Locked

The document is automatically locked if a signer enters the wrong authentication for more than three attempts. This applies to all three authentication types, and the signer cannot proceed with signing unless the sender resumes the process on the “My Documents” page. The sender will receive a notification of the failed authentication, and the document status will be changed to “Needs Attention.“

The sender must follow these steps to resume signing:

1. Navigate to the “My Documents” page and select the specific document.
2. You will be directed to the Overview page. Click on the context menu at the right end of the “Recipient Details” section and choose the “Resume Signing” option.

3. A pop-up message will be displayed, indicating that the document has been successfully unlocked.
4. The signer completes the required authentication when opening the document and can then proceed with signing.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading! I hope now you have understood the importance and types of signer authentication in BoldSign. Consider adding effective signer authentication methods to enhance the security of your documents.

Also do check out our video tutorial in YouTube on signer authentication for more information: Manage signer authentication.

We value your feedback, so please share your comments below. If you need further assistance, you can schedule a demo or contact our support team through our support portal.