Code Signing Certificates
WHAT IS CODE SIGNING?
Code signing increases user confidence and trust
Code Signing Certificates are used by software developers to digitally sign applications, drivers, executables and software programs as a way for end-users to verify that the code they receive has not been altered or compromised by a third party. They include your signature, your company’s name and, if desired, a timestamp.
BENEFITS OF DIGICERT CODE SIGNING CERTIFICATES
Protect your intellectual property
Code signing certificates allow customers to verify that your code is authentic and has not been tampered with—protecting both parties against fraud, malware and theft.
Prevent security warning labels
Your customers expect a smooth and professional installation process when they download your software. Digitally signed programs can avoid warning messages during download and install for better adoption.
Efficient monitoring and enforcement
When a piece of code is digitally signed, you can easily detect modified files. Additionally, code signed with a timestamp tells a user that the code was signed with a valid certificate even after the actual certificate expires.
Meet platform requirements
The partners, channels and platforms that distribute your software expect you to safeguard their customers' data. Signing software shows your commitment to their safety and is often a contractual requirement.
WHAT IS EV CODE SIGNING?
EV Code Signing increases trust and adoption
Extended Validation (EV) Code Signing Certificates include all the standard benefits of digitally signed code plus a rigorous vetting process and hardware security requirement, so your users can have even greater confidence in the integrity of your applications.
BENEFITS OF DIGICERT EV CODE SIGNING CERTIFICATES
Two-factor authentication
An encrypted token containing the private key is stored on a USB device that you receive after you purchase your certificate. Only those who have the physical device can sign code with your EV code signing certificate, providing reinforced authentication and enhanced security.
Time-sensitive signing
Adding an optional timestamp means your signature lives on even after the original EV code signing certificate used to sign it has expired. Without a timestamp, your signature expires when the certificate expires, requiring you to re-sign your code.
Microsoft Defender SmartScreen
Automatically gain trusted status on Microsoft Defender SmartScreen® Reputation filter, thereby reducing warning messages and increasing brand reputation and end-user trust.
Support for hardware security modules
DigiCert EV Code Signing Certificates can be installed on HSMs, giving you more control over your certificates and their private keys. Anyone in your organization with authorized access to the HSM can use the stored certificate to sign code.
Universal platform compatibility
There is no need to reissue your certificate to sign code for a different platform (e.g., Authenticode, Kernel Mode, etc.)
