Digital contracting is safer than traditional signing
Summary
- A new Visma Sign study shows that 75% of Nordic businesses expect nearly all their agreements to become digital within the next 12 months.
- Security concerns remain the biggest barrier to full digital adoption.
- Visma Sign ensures security on two levels: daily operational protection and long-term strategic foresight.
- Electronic signatures are safer than handwritten ones, thanks to strong authentication and detailed digital audit trails.
- True security combines technology and people — understanding access rights and training users properly.
Nordic businesses are going digital — securely
According to Visma Sign’s newly published “Digital Contracting Trends in the Nordics” report, organisations across Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Norway are rapidly transforming their signing and contract management processes.
75% of respondents expect nearly all of their agreements and signatures to go fully digital within the next year.
However, many decision-makers still worry about security, authentication, and user management.
More than a quarter of respondents said that security concerns slow down their digital transformation.
In this article Riku Tarkiainen, information security and data protection specialist explains how Visma Sign ensures the security and trustworthiness of every digital signature and contract.
Security built on two levels
Building a secure digital signing environment requires two complementary perspectives:
- Everyday operational security
- Long-term strategic foresight
Operational security means continuously monitoring systems, analysing current threats, and proactively preventing risks — all while ensuring the service remains smooth and easy to use. It’s about maintaining the right balance between usability and protection.
Strategic security focuses on the future.This includes tracking weak signals, anticipating technological change, and preparing for new types of threats — such as the potential impact of quantum computing on encryption methods.
Our goal is to stay several steps ahead — adopting new technologies early and transforming them into real benefits for our customers.
Electronic signatures: safer than pen and paper
One of the most common concerns is authentication — how do we know who actually signed?
In reality, digital signing is far more secure than traditional pen-and-paper methods.
When a document is signed electronically, it’s possible to verify:
- Who signed the document
- When it was signed (timestamp)
- Where and on which device the signing took place
This creates a clear, traceable digital audit trail that’s far more reliable than a handwritten signature.
Strong authentication using national eIDs — such as BankID, MitID, or mobile certificates — provides verified proof of identity.
That’s why digital signatures today are not only faster, but also more secure and legally binding than ever.
Security is a shared responsibility
How do we ensure that the right users have access — and the wrong ones don’t?
Secure user management starts with shared responsibility between the signing platform and its users.
Organisations must identify who creates, reviews, and signs agreements, and who should have access to stored documents.
With modern digital systems, access rights can be managed precisely — allowing administrators to decide who can view, edit, or sign specific information.
It’s equally important to remember that security isn’t just technical — it’s also human.
Employees must understand their own role in keeping data safe.
When technology and awareness work hand in hand, digital contracting becomes both efficient and trustworthy.
How to start with digital contracting
For smaller businesses, security and efficiency can often be achieved simply by choosing a trusted e-signature provider with built-in user management and compliance features. Larger organisations may need deeper integration with HR, CRM, or sales systems — and a provider that can offer both flexibility and expertise in implementation and training.
And when it comes to data protection, remember:
True security comes not only from technology, but from the strength of the organisation behind it.
Visma Sign is part of the Visma Group, a network of around 200 companies operating across Europe and Latin America. We share cybersecurity insights and best practices across the group — ensuring our customers benefit from the collective strength, experience, and resilience of the entire Visma ecosystem.
Riku Tarkiainen is information security and data protection specialist, with a strong background in IT management and cybersecurity. As a member of Visma Solutions’ management team, he is responsible for ensuring that the company’s products are secure and fully compliant with applicable legislation. For Riku, cybersecurity isn’t just a job, it’s a way of life.
