What attribute of electronic journals can help prevent fraud?

Digital signatures for notarizations serve as a critical security measure in electronic journals, significantly enhancing the integrity and authenticity of notarized documents. The use of digital signatures ensures that any document signed electronically is verifiable and cannot be altered without detection after the signature is applied. This attribute helps to establish a clear identity of the signer, linking the signature to a specific individual and their unique digital certificate.

Moreover, digital signatures make it possible to create an audit trail, allowing notaries and third parties to track any changes made to the document and confirm its legitimacy. This capability is vital for preventing fraud, as it deters unauthorized alterations and ensures accountability in the notarization process.

While options such as inconsistent recordkeeping, handwritten records without timestamps, and public access to all records do not provide the same level of security and verification, digital signatures directly address these concerns by enhancing the reliability of the recordkeeping system used by notaries and offering robust protection against fraudulent activities.