Long gone are the days of walking into a physical store and buying software that was shrink-wrapped and featured a hologram sticker indicating it was genuine and trustworthy.
Today, all software is downloaded online, and the risk that code has been compromised or tampered with is real. A Code Signing Certificate plays a crucial role in providing trust and giving users the confidence that the software they are downloading is genuine and comes from a trusted source.
Eliminate security warnings and boost downloads
A Code Signing certificate provides developers and publishers the opportunity to offer software that is authenticated and validated. Code Signing includes your digital signature, the name of the individual or organization, and if desired, a timestamp.
Most major platforms and operating systems will show error messages for software that is not signed with a certificate issued by a trusted CA (Certificate Authority).
This gets in the way of building trust with customers – if they even want to go ahead, that is!
How Code Signing works
Code Signing is the process of digitally signing applications and scripts to confirm authorship and integrity.
Like other Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) technologies, Code Signing Certificates include a public key and a private key.
The private key is used to sign the code digitally. The public key is used to confirm the signature. A Code Signing workflow’s security and integrity rely on developers securing their private keys against unauthorized access.
Operating systems, networks, devices, and platforms look for a trusted digital signature to authenticate the code’s source and confirm its integrity.
Become a trusted developer
When you download software online, browsers and operating systems typically display a warning message stating the possible dangers of downloading or that the publisher is “unknown.”
With a Code Signing certificate, your software or application is identified as coming from a trusted source — you.
This eliminates the security warning messages and identifies the developer or publisher, either by individual or organizational name.
Ensure code integrity
How do you protect your employees and customers from code that has been tampered with?
Code Signing ensures that any piece of code you sign has not been altered and is trustworthy for its intended purpose. Any tampering or alteration to the original code results invalidates the digital signature.
This makes Code Signing valuable for both end-users and developers: End-users are assured that they are downloading a trusted piece of software, while developers can brand their code, increase their reputation, and protect their software from unwanted changes.
Advanced Code Signing
For mission-critical applications like banking, hardware drivers, and confidential applications, we offer advanced Extended Validation (EV) Code Signing certificates.
EV Code Signing certificates are packed with additional features, including two-factor authentication, passing reputation filters, and HSM and DSS support.
Our Advanced Code Signing Certificates require additional vetting as well as extensive security requirements.
For more information, get in touch with our Sales team, and we will find the right solution for you.
What our customers say
We have chosen TRUSTZONE because their Code Signing certificates have the highest compatibility in the market
Contest A/S
Key benefits
Supports all major platforms
Including Microsoft, Adobe, Apple, Java, Mozilla and, Android
Bypass browser and OS warnings
Distribute software and
applications successfully over the internet
Timestamp enabled
Continue operation even after the Code Signing certificate has expired
Instant reputation
Remove scary warning messages for end users
Advanced Code Signing
Get EV Code Signing Certificates
Compare Code Signing Certificates
EV
|
Standard
|
|
Encrypted digital signature |
✔️ | ✔️ |
Requires a rigorous extended validation of the organization |
✔️ | |
Immediate reputation with Microsoft SmartScreen |
✔️ | |
Requires two-factor authentication using a hardware token |
✔️ | |
Private key storage options |
HSM (included) | HSM (optional) |
Pricing |
Contact us | Contact us |
How does Code Signing work?
Generally, A Code Signing Certificate is built on the term “Public Key Infrastructure” (PKI) like SSL certificates, which includes a public key and a private key. A Private Key is used to sign the data, and the use of a public key is to confirm the sign of the data.
With the sign of software code, you can timestamp your code to avoid annoying expiry of the digital certificate. Users can trust signed software and they can download it easily, also increases reliability among software users.
A Code Signing software is useful to sign content like software objects, configuration files, manual, virus updates, device drivers, and similar.
What Code Signing looks like
If you’ve ever seen that little popup that comes up when you try to run a program you’ve downloaded, the one that lists who the publisher is and asks “Are you sure you want to run this application?” then you have seen code signing in action.
That dialogue box is telling you that it really is a software patch for your PC or your Mac and that it’s still in the same condition it was when they signed it.
Do you still have questions about Code Signing Certifcates?
Get in touch with us for a non-binding quote
FAQ Code Signing
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What is a code signing certificate?
A code signing certificate is a digital certificate that is used to authenticate the identity of the software publisher and to provide integrity for the software code.
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How does a code signing certificate work?
A code signing certificate is used to digitally sign a software application. The digital signature provides validation that the software has not been altered and confirms the identity of the publisher.
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Why is code signing important?
Code signing is important because it helps protect users by ensuring that the software they download and install has not been tampered with and is from a trusted publisher.