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What is a Code Signing Certificate?

What is a Code Signing Certificate?

A code signing certificate is a type of digital certificate used by software developers to sign applications, drivers, executables, and software programs. It serves two primary purposes:

  1. It verifies the authenticity of the software publisher, confirming that the code comes from a known and trusted source.

  2. It ensures that the code hasn’t been tampered with or altered since it was signed.

At its core, a code signing certificate is composed of several key elements:

When a developer signs their code with a code signing certificate, they’re essentially providing a digital stamp of approval. This stamp tells users, “This software comes from me, and it hasn’t been altered since I created it.”

How Code Signing Certificates Work

To understand how code signing certificates work, let’s break down the process step by step:

  1. Obtaining the Certificate: The process begins when a developer or organization obtains a code signing certificate from a trusted Certificate Authority (CA) such as SSL.com. This involves verifying the identity of the certificate applicant to ensure they are who they claim to be.

  2. Signing the Code: Once the developer has the certificate, they use the private key associated with it to create a cryptographic hash of their software. This hash is then encrypted with the private key to create the digital signature.

  3. Attaching the Signature: The digital signature, along with the developer’s public key (contained in the certificate), is attached to the software.

  4. Distribution: The signed software is then distributed to users through various channels, such as websites, app stores, or enterprise software distribution systems.

  5. Verification: When a user downloads and attempts to run the software, their operating system uses the public key provided with the software to decrypt the digital signature. It then creates a new hash of the software and compares it to the decrypted hash from the signature.

  6. Confirmation: If the two hashes match, it confirms that the software hasn’t been altered since it was signed. The operating system also checks that the certificate used for signing is from a trusted CA and hasn’t expired or been revoked.

This process relies on asymmetric cryptography, where the private key used for signing can only be decrypted by the corresponding public key. This ensures that only the genuine owner of the certificate can create valid signatures for their software.

Benefits of Code Signing Certificates

Code signing certificates offer numerous benefits for both software publishers and users:

Security:

Trust:

Reputation:

Compliance:

Integrity:

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SSL.com offers a range of code signing certificates to meet your needs, whether you’re an individual developer or a large organization.

Types of Code Signing Certificates

There are several types of code signing certificates available, each suited to different needs:

Individual Code Signing Certificates:

Organization Code Signing Certificates:

Extended Validation (EV) Code Signing Certificates:

Time Stamping Certificates:

Each type of certificate has its own advantages and use cases. The choice depends on factors such as the size of your organization, the type of software you’re distributing, and your target audience.

How to Obtain a Code Signing Certificate

Obtaining a code signing certificate involves several steps:

  1. Choose a reputable Certificate Authority (CA): Select a well-known, trusted CA like SSL.com.

  2. Determine the type of certificate you need: Based on your organization’s size and needs, choose between individual, organizational, or EV certificates.

  3. Generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR): This process creates a private key on your system and a CSR file to send to the CA.

  4. Submit your application: Provide the necessary information and documentation to the CA. This typically includes:

    • For individual certificates: Government-issued ID, proof of address

    • For organizational certificates: Business registration documents, proof of right to use the company name

    • For EV certificates: Additional documentation to prove business operations and identity

  5. Verification process: The CA will verify the information provided. This can take anywhere from a few hours for basic certificates to several days for EV certificates.

  6. Receive and install the certificate: Once approved, you’ll receive your certificate. Install it on the system where you’ll be signing your code.

  7. Secure your private key: Ensure the private key associated with your certificate is stored securely, preferably in a hardware security module (HSM) or YubiKey.

How can I order and install a code signing certificate from SSL.com?

Please refer to the following how-tos for information on ordering, installing, and getting started with code signing and EV code signing certificates from SSL.com:

Ordering and Retrieving Code Signing Certificates

How to Install OV Code Signing Certificates

Using Your Code Signing Certificate

Getting Started with Your EV Code Signing Certificate

Use Cases and Real-World Examples

Code signing certificates are used across various industries and for different types of software:

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

While code signing is generally straightforward, you may encounter some issues:

Expired Certificates:

Revoked Certificates:

Timestamp Errors:

Certificate Chain Issues:

Key Compromise:

Best Practices for Code Signing

To maintain the security and integrity of your code signing process:

Conclusion

Code signing certificates are essential for maintaining software security and integrity. They verify developer identity and ensure software authenticity, benefiting both individual developers and large corporations across various applications. As cyber threats evolve, the importance of code signing grows.

Understanding and effectively using these certificates significantly enhances software security and user protection. We encourage exploring SSL.com’s code signing solutions, as investing in proper code signing is an investment in your software’s security and trustworthiness.
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