Multi-step digital signature method and system

A system for affixing digital signatures to electronic documents comprising:

• a plurality of intercommunicative signing devices, each signing device comprising an electronic device programmed to receive an electronic document and to affix a partial signature using a signature key share in response to a predetermined number of authorizations;
• and
• a plurality of authorizing agents, each agent communicative with an associated signing device, each agent comprising an electronic device programmed to provide an authorization to an associated signing device.

A system of interlocked rings of signing devices for affixing digital signatures to electronic documents comprising:

• a first set of signing devices, said first set comprising a plurality of electronic devices, each device programmed to receive an electronic document and affix a partial signature for a first signature key, a plurality of said partial signatures comprising a first digital signature;
• a second set of signing devices, said second set comprising a plurality of electronic devices, each device programmed to receive an electronic document and affix a partial signature for a second signature key, a plurality of said partial signatures comprising a second digital signature;
• wherein said first set of signing devices includes at least one member which is not in said second set, and said first and second sets include at least one common member.