Signature

A means by which the contents of, or the actions described in, a form are acknowledged, authorized, or certified. Examples include the following:

(1) an original, handwritten name of the acknowledging, authorizing, or certifying individual and

(2) the result of a process by which an individual indicates authorization or certification by electronic means. In accordance with Paragraph 4, “References,” the process should include information technology security practices taken to protect the validity of the approval or certification in direct proportion to the level of risk or loss associated with what is being approved or certified. Approval for use of electronic signatures should be provided on a form-by-form basis.