Electronic signatures now preferred in the Navy

Electronic signatures are now the preferred way of conducting business at the Department of the Navy.

DON Chief Information Officer Rob Carey signed on August 27 a memo--meant for electronic distribution only, naturally--stating that while hand-written signatures are still permissible, they're not preferred.

Decreasing reliance on paper transaction will improve information sharing and security and allow quicker access to documents, Carey states. The memo applies to all DON military, civilian and contractor personnel.

Affixing an electronic signature requires a Defense Department-approved Public Key Infrastructure certificate such as already issued with a Common Access Card. When a person affixes an electronic signature to a document, that person's identity is verified via the PKI certificate.

The Defense Department has required since 2006 PKI-based digital signature applications to undergo testing at the Joint Interoperability Test Command to ensure interoperability across the department.

Carey is due to soon leave his position as DON CIO in favor of a policy and strategy position with the Navy 10th Fleet/Cyber Command.

For more:
- download Carey's August 27 memo, SECNAVIST INSTRUCTION 5239.21  
- read a May 5, 2006 memo from the DoD CIO regarding DoD-wide digital signature interoperability (.pdf)

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