How to enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for signers?

The Importance of Enhancing Security in Electronic Signatures

In the digital age, electronic signatures have revolutionized business operations by streamlining agreements and reducing paperwork. However, with rising cyber threats, securing the signing process is paramount. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of protection for signers, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access and complete documents. This article explores how to enable 2FA for signers across popular platforms, offering a neutral, business-oriented perspective on implementation and alternatives.

Understanding Two-Factor Authentication for Signers

What is 2FA in the Context of E-Signatures?

Two-Factor Authentication requires signers to verify their identity using two distinct methods: something they know (like a password or access code) and something they have (such as a one-time code sent via SMS, email, or an authenticator app). In e-signature workflows, 2FA prevents unauthorized access to sensitive documents, such as contracts or legal agreements. For businesses, implementing 2FA not only complies with data protection standards but also builds trust with clients and partners.

From a commercial standpoint, 2FA adoption has surged due to regulatory pressures and high-profile data breaches. Platforms like DocuSign and Adobe Sign integrate 2FA to mitigate risks, making it a standard feature in professional environments. Enabling it typically involves configuring account settings, envelope templates, or signer authentication rules, depending on the provider.

Why Enable 2FA for Signers? Business Benefits and Risks

Enabling 2FA protects against phishing and credential stuffing attacks, which are common in remote signing scenarios. Businesses benefit from reduced fraud liability—studies show that 2FA can block over 99% of automated attacks. However, without it, companies face potential legal and financial repercussions, especially in industries like finance or healthcare.

On the flip side, over-reliance on 2FA can introduce friction in user experience, potentially slowing down high-volume signing processes. Balancing security with efficiency is key, and platforms often allow customizable 2FA options to suit different workflows.

How to Enable 2FA for Signers in DocuSign

DocuSign, a leader in e-signature solutions, offers robust security features through its eSignature platform and add-ons like Identity and Access Management (IAM). IAM in DocuSign provides advanced authentication, including 2FA, to verify signer identities during the signing process. This is particularly useful for enterprise users handling high-stakes documents, ensuring compliance with standards like GDPR or SOC 2.

To enable 2FA for signers in DocuSign, follow these step-by-step instructions. Note that access to these features may require a Standard, Business Pro, or higher plan, with potential add-on costs for advanced identity verification.

Step 1: Access Account Settings

Log in to your DocuSign account as an admin. Navigate to the “Settings” gear icon in the top-right corner, then select “Security” under the “Features” tab. Here, you’ll find options for authentication settings.

Step 2: Configure Signer Authentication

In the Security section, go to “Authentication” and enable “Access Code” as the first factor (a simple password sent via email). For the second factor, select “SMS Authentication” or “Authenticator App” under advanced options. DocuSign supports SMS delivery for one-time passcodes (OTPs), which incurs per-message fees based on regional rates (typically $0.10–$0.50 per SMS).

If using IAM features, integrate with third-party providers like Okta or Duo for app-based 2FA. This setup is ideal for teams needing SSO alongside signer verification.

Step 3: Apply to Envelopes or Templates

When creating a new envelope or template, head to the “Advanced” options during document upload. Under “Signer Authentication,” toggle on “Require Two-Factor Authentication.” You can specify the method—email + SMS is the most common for signers without apps. For bulk sends or web forms (available in Business Pro), apply this globally via account defaults.

Step 4: Test and Monitor

Send a test envelope to yourself or a colleague. The signer will receive an email with an access code, followed by an SMS OTP. Monitor usage in the “Admin” dashboard under “Authentication Logs” to track compliance. DocuSign’s API plans (e.g., Intermediate at $3,600/year) allow programmatic 2FA enforcement for automated workflows.

Potential costs: Basic 2FA is included in higher tiers, but SMS add-ons are metered. For APAC users, latency in SMS delivery may require regional tweaks.

Enabling 2FA for Signers in Adobe Sign

Adobe Sign, part of Adobe Document Cloud, emphasizes seamless integration with creative and productivity tools. It supports 2FA through its authentication profiles, which can be tailored for signers in agreements. This feature is standard in Professional and Enterprise plans, helping businesses maintain secure workflows in marketing, legal, or sales teams.

Steps to Set Up 2FA in Adobe Sign

1. Admin Console Access: Sign in as an admin and go to “Account Settings” > “Authentication.” Create or edit an authentication profile.

2. Select 2FA Method: Choose “Password Protected” for the first factor, then enable “Knowledge-Based Authentication” or “Phone Authentication” for the second. Adobe supports SMS OTPs or email verification, with options for push notifications via apps like Google Authenticator.

3. Assign to Agreements: When preparing an agreement, select the profile under “Security Options.” For recurring use, set it as default in library templates.

4. Verification and Reporting: Test by sending a sample agreement. Use the “Activity Report” to audit 2FA completions. Enterprise users can integrate with Adobe’s IAM for advanced controls.

Adobe Sign’s 2FA is praised for its user-friendly interface but may require additional licensing for high-volume SMS usage.

2FA Implementation in Other Platforms like HelloSign

HelloSign (now part of Dropbox Sign) offers straightforward 2FA for signers via access codes and SMS verification. In its Pro plan ($15/user/month), enable it by going to “Account Settings” > “Security” and toggling “Require SMS Verification.” This sends an OTP after the initial code, suitable for small teams. While simpler than DocuSign, it lacks deep IAM integrations, making it ideal for SMBs prioritizing ease over enterprise-scale customization.

Comparing E-Signature Platforms: DocuSign, Adobe Sign, eSignGlobal, and HelloSign

To aid decision-making, here’s a neutral comparison of key platforms based on 2025 pricing and features. Data draws from official sources, focusing on 2FA support, compliance, and cost-effectiveness for businesses.

This table highlights trade-offs: DocuSign excels in scalability, while others offer affordability without sacrificing core security.

eSignGlobal: A Competitive Option for Global and Regional Needs

eSignGlobal positions itself as a versatile e-signature provider, supporting compliance in over 100 mainstream countries and regions worldwide. It holds a particular advantage in the Asia-Pacific (APAC), where electronic signature regulations are fragmented, high-standard, and under strict oversight. Unlike the framework-based approaches in the US (ESIGN Act) or Europe (eIDAS), which rely on email verification or self-declaration, APAC standards emphasize “ecosystem-integrated” models. This requires deep hardware and API-level integrations with government-to-business (G2B) digital identity systems, such as those in Hong Kong or Singapore, presenting a higher technical barrier than Western methods.

eSignGlobal addresses these challenges head-on, enabling seamless compliance without the latency or surcharges often seen in global platforms. The company is expanding aggressively, competing with DocuSign and Adobe Sign even in Europe and the Americas through cost-effective plans and localized support. For instance, its Essential version starts at just $16.6 per month for a 30-day free trial, allowing up to 100 documents for electronic signature, unlimited user seats, and verification via access code—all while maintaining full compliance. This pricing delivers strong value, especially when integrated with systems like Hong Kong’s iAM Smart or Singapore’s Singpass for frictionless signer authentication.

In business terms, eSignGlobal’s model reduces total ownership costs for APAC operations, where cross-border compliance can inflate expenses by 20–30% on legacy platforms.

Final Thoughts on Secure E-Signing Solutions

Implementing 2FA for signers is a straightforward yet essential step to fortify electronic signature processes across platforms. While DocuSign remains a benchmark for comprehensive features, businesses exploring alternatives—particularly for regional compliance—may find eSignGlobal a practical, neutral choice in APAC and beyond. Evaluate based on your volume, geography, and integration needs for optimal results.