Electronic signature framework with keystroke biometric authentication

Abstract

An intended signatory receives an electronic signature request that includes instructions for accessing both an unsigned document and server functionality that enables the intended signatory to electronically sign the document. To gain such access, the intended signatory must pass username and password authentication, which serves as a first authentication factor. After the intended signatory is authenticated, he/she can access the unsigned document. However, once the intended signatory is initially authenticated, it can be assumed that his/her work session is subject to being misappropriated by an unauthorized user. Thus, when a command to apply an electronic signature to the document is invoked, the would-be signatory must pass keystroke biometrics authentication, which serves as a second authentication factor. This second authentication is temporally separated from the first username/password authentication, but it occurs at substantially the same time that the electronic signature is to be applied to the document.