CAdES (CMS Advanced Electronic Signatures)

CAdES (CMS Advanced Electronic Signatures) is a standard for creating secure digital signatures that ensure the authenticity, integrity, and non-repudiation of electronic documents. Built on the CMS (PKCS#7) format, it allows signatures to be long-lasting and legally valid over time, even as technology evolves. CAdES signatures include additional information, like timestamps and signer details, making them suitable for formal, legal, and official use. Essentially, it provides a reliable digital "seal" that verifies a document was signed by a specific person and hasn't been altered since signing.