Types of Authentication

If you need to authenticate your signer's identity before they sign, there are several different ways you can do that through the SIGNiX system.

Here at SIGNiX, we offer a variety of ways to verify a signer's identity before they can place their signature on the documents they have been sent.

We call these options authentication methods, and you must always choose one method for each of your signers on a transaction. By default, the drop-down menu will appear blank at first, so that the submitter can make a choice as to which option they require for the transaction being created.

In the past, the system would default to the first option on the authentication list, which could lead to some mistakes. Now the choice is deliberate and we hope this brings more security to your transactions.

These authentication methods can be strict when it comes to security, so please make sure you select the one that best meets your company's needs.

*Note that with most of the methods of authentication provided, signers will also enter their signing password during the login process before they are allowed to view and sign the documents.

Here is a list of all authentication methods offered:

• Password Only: The signer's identity is assumed confirmed if they have access to the email address entered by the submitter while creating the transaction. The signer will enter a password to login and sign. This is our least strict form of authentication.
• [deprecated] Password w/Submitted Question(s) The signer must answer questions that the submitter entered while creating the transaction, then enter a password. The signer must enter the answers exactly as the submitter entered them, or else they will fail authentication.
• [deprecated] KYC: The signer is prompted to enter the last 4 digits of their SSN and their full DOB. This information must match what was entered by the submitter while creating the transaction, or it must match information found in US public databases.  
  *Some clients may have the ability to add questions to this authentication method.
• Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) Questions: The signer is prompted to enter the last 4 digits of their SSN and their full DOB. Then they will be given a series of multiple-choice questions about themselves. The questions are based on a US database of 30 years of public records. Questions might include past street addresses, past cars owned, past cities or states lived in, and more.
  
  They are difficult questions because this is our most strict form of authentication. If a person fails to answer a question correctly, they can try again with additional questions.
  
  If they continue to fail, they will be locked out from trying to sign for 24 hours, this cannot be lifted or changed.
  
  If they answer their questions correctly, they'll be moved along to enter password, then view and sign the documents.
  
  
• 2 Factor Authentication (Text Message): The signer will have to first click to Accept Legal Consent on the first login screen, and that action will trigger a text message to be sent to the phone number that was entered by the submitter while creating the transaction before sending it off for signature.
  
  The signer must have a mobile phone plan which allows for the acceptance of SMS text messages. The signer will enter the secret code from the text message into the box on the login screen.
  
  The secret code is time sensitive, so they must enter it quickly. If the code does not work because too much time has passed, the signer will be able to click on a Resend button on the login screen to send themselves a new text message. Only the most recently received secret code will be acceptable for login, any previous codes will no longer work.
  
  There is now a Voice option for when a client is unable to receive the text with the code, they can instead receive a phone call to hear the code and enter it for login.

• KBA-ID - Knowledge-based Questions with ID Verify SSN4: For notaries using our eNotary Software, this authentication option will be available. The main difference with this option is the inclusion of the ID Scan step, which allows for credential analysis. The KBA steps are the same as outlined above, then the signer will be prompted to take a picture of their ID of choice with a camera, or they can upload a picture that they have already taken and stored on their computer.  The ID will be checked for validity, and if found to be valid, the signer will be able to proceed forward to password entry and signing the documents. If the ID is invalid, the signer will not be allowed to proceed.
• ID Verify - Credential Analysis & Biometrics: ID Verification (IDV) with Biometric Authentication is an innovative new option that utilizes a third-party service to verify the signer's identity by checking both a live image of their face and a photograph of their ID. This process requires the signer to upload images of both the front and back of their ID, but only if the ID includes a back with a barcode, such as a driver's license. For example, there is no need to provide an image of the back of a passport book.
  
  Once the ID pictures have been uploaded, the system will verify them briefly.
  
  If the ID pictures pass verification, the signer will then be asked to take several pictures of their face. It will have on screen instructions for putting their face in the center of the screen, looking to the left, looking to the right, and it will capture each picture automatically.

View of the Authentication Options: