Is Docusign safe? Discover Docusign's security features

Explore Docusign's security features and discover whether it's suitable for your business in 2024.

DocuSign is one of the leading electronic signature platforms, widely used for its convenience and efficiency in handling digital agreements. However, given the sensitive nature of the documents it processes, questions about its safety and security are paramount. 

But when people ask whether Docusign is safe, they’re really asking the following questions:

• Is my personal and customer data at risk of a data breach if I use Docusign?
• Can electronically signed documents be tampered with in Docusign?
• Are Docusign’s electronic signatures legally binding in my jurisdiction? 
• Will Docusign meet the stringent security requirements set out by my business?

We’ll address all of these concerns in this guide. First, let’s look at the security features available in Docusign.

Docusign’s security features‍

Encryption‍

Docusign uses industry-standard encryption to protect data both in transit and at rest. This ensures that documents are securely encrypted when being sent and stored.

Authentication options‍

Docusign offers multiple authentication methods to verify the identity of signers, including email, access codes, SMS, and phone authentication. These options help ensure that only authorized individuals can access and sign documents.

Audit trails‍

Each document processed through Docusign comes with a detailed audit trail. This trail records every action taken on the document, including viewing, signing, and sending, providing transparency and accountability.

‍Compliance‍

Docusign complies with stringent industry standards and regulations such as eIDAS, UETA, and ESIGN Act. These compliances ensure that electronic signatures are legally binding and recognized globally.

‍Secure data centers‍

Docusign operates in secure data centers with multiple layers of physical and logical security measures, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and access controls.

‍Tamper-proof seals‍

Once a document is signed, Docusign applies a tamper-proof seal. This seal indicates if a document has been altered post-signature, ensuring the integrity of the signed documents.

Is my personal and customer data at risk of a data breach if I use DocuSign?

While no system can be entirely immune to breaches, Docusign’s security protocols are designed to minimize risks and protect against unauthorized access.

DocuSign implements multiple security measures to protect personal and customer data, including industry-standard encryption for data both in transit and at rest, secure data centers, and robust authentication methods. 

Regular security assessments and continuous monitoring further enhance its ability to safeguard data. Therefore, while the risk is not zero, DocuSign significantly reduces the likelihood of a data breach.

How does this compare to other platforms?

This is true for other contract management platforms, like Juro, that offer enterprise-grade security across all plans. You can read more about Juro’s comprehensive security features in the guides below:

• Application resilience at Juro
• Application security at Juro
• Juro’s commitment to the GDPR
• Juro’s commitment to the UK GDPR
• Juro’s compliance with the CCPA
• Juro’s network and infrastructure security
• Using AI responsibly with Juro

Can electronically signed documents be tampered with in DocuSign?

DocuSign applies a tamper-proof seal to documents once they are signed. This seal ensures that any post-signature alterations are detectable. Additionally, DocuSign provides detailed audit trails that record every action taken on a document, including viewing, signing, and forwarding. 

These features collectively ensure the integrity of electronically signed documents, making tampering highly unlikely and easily identifiable if it occurs.

How does this compare to other platforms?

This isn’t unique to Docusign, either. Juro also offers immutable document record and detailed audit trails to ensure that only authorized parties are taking certain actions on contracts. 

In fact, Juro offers this level of tracking and visibility throughout the entire contract lifecycle, with the ability to click through to different versions and actions completed by contract stakeholders in seconds. 

Juro also offers other security-related features to enhance security and separate different stakeholders, such as contract permissions. 

Is Docusign legally binding in my jurisdiction?

DocuSign’s electronic signatures are legally binding and comply with various global standards and regulations, such as the eIDAS regulation in the European Union, the ESIGN Act, and UETA in the United States. Put simply, this means that electronic signatures are viewed as having the same level of validity as wet ink signatures. 

These regulations ensure that electronic signatures are recognized and enforceable in many jurisdictions. However, it is essential to check specific local laws and regulations in your jurisdiction to confirm compliance, as legal recognition can vary.

How does this compare to other platforms?

Generally speaking, most eSigning tools and contract management platforms will offer the same levels of eSignature compliance, with electronic signatures recognized across the globe. 

However, the eIDAS Regulation defines three different types of eSignatures, include basic, advanced, and qualified, with the latter needed for some highly regulated transactions. If your agreements fall into that category, you’ll need a system that offers that level, or integrates with a tool that does. 

You can learn more about eSignature validity in these guides:

• Important use cases for eSignatures in 2024
• Digital signature vs electronic signature
• What is eIDAS?
• Electronic signature laws in the US

Will DocuSign meet the stringent security requirements set out by my business?

DocuSign is designed to meet high security standards and complies with numerous international security certifications, including ISO 27001, SOC 2 Type II, and PCI DSS. Its security features include strong encryption, multi-factor authentication, secure data centers, and comprehensive audit trails. 

These measures are generally sufficient to meet stringent security requirements. To ensure full compliance with your business's specific security policies, you should review DocuSign’s security documentation and consider conducting a thorough security assessment.

How does this compare to other platforms?

Cheaper, more basic Docusign alternatives, will likely not offer the same strict security requirements as Docusign and platforms like Juro. However, users will also have fewer touchpoints with, and rely less on, these tools. 

That doesn’t mean you should compromise on security, though. Even small and early stage businesses should be prioritizing the security of their contracts, especially given their confidential and sensitive nature.

That's why 6000+ companies trust Juro's contract management software to agree their contracts. Juro's enterprise-grade security features mean legal and business teams at businesses like Trustpilot, Remote and WeWork trust Juro to agree and manage their contracts end-to-end.

To find out more about Juro's security measures and compliance, fill in the form below to speak to our team, or check out our trust center.