Why should reports have proper dates and signatures?

Having proper dates and signatures on reports is crucial for several reasons, primarily focusing on the validation of the report's authenticity. A date signifies when the report was created, which is essential for establishing a timeline of events, decisions made, or actions taken, especially in security-related contexts. This allows stakeholders to understand the currency of the information presented and make informed decisions based on it.

Signatures serve a different but equally important purpose. They act as a form of verification, indicating who authored or approved the report. This adds a layer of credibility, as it ensures that the information is acknowledged by a responsible party, making it more trustworthy. Therefore, the presence of proper dates and signatures reinforces the integrity and reliability of the report, establishing a clear chain of responsibility and accountability.

While adding a personal touch or making a report look official might be considered aesthetic factors, they do not hold the same significance as the authenticating aspects provided by dates and signatures. Future revisions, while necessary in some contexts, do not pertain directly to the fundamental role of dates and signatures in asserting the authenticity of a document.