Code Signing

What is a Digital Certificate?

What you need to know about digital certificates and how they can improve your web security The internet has given us so many advantages – the ability to communicate to anyone anywhere, buy anything with the touch of a button, build a new career or business and so much more. However, to take advantage of the internet, we must put our personal information out there –  whether that is our home address, personal opinions, credit card information and so on. With that, it is vital we protect this constant stream Continue Reading

What is a Software Publisher Certificate?

Software publisher certificates are a game-changer for developers and publishers alike In the ever-evolving digital world we live in, it’s crucial we take every measure possible to ensure we are operating with the highest security protocols and practices. This is no different when downloading, installing and running software. With so much personal information stored digitally, it is easy to see why users would decline to engage with a software if it rose any red flags. This is where software publisher certificates come in. Software Publisher Certificate – The Quick Answer Continue Reading

Code Signing Certificate Expired Issues

What happens to my software and digital signatures when my code signing certificate expires?   If this question haunts you at night, you’re not alone! Most software developers and publishers face this dilemma at one point.  You might be in the process of buying your first code signing certificate, or your current certificate might be expiring soon (or it has already expired). Whatever the scenario, you’ve landed on the right article. We have answers for all your questions regarding code signing certificate expiration issues and renewals.  Timestamping: The Ultimate Shield to Avoid Code Signing Certificate Expiration Continue Reading

Digital Signature vs Digital Certificate — A Look at the Differences

We’ll break down the differences between a digital certificate vs signature and how each plays a role in cybersecurity If you’re not sure how to recognize a digital signature vs a digital certificate, then don’t worry, you’re in the right place. The digital signature and digital certificate are both the fundamental concepts within the realm of cybersecurity. There is a fundamental difference between a digital certificate vs. a signature. Digital certificates are all X.509 certificates that are issued by one or more publicly trusted certificate authorities (CAs). On the other Continue Reading

What Is a Java Code Signing Certificate?

Know the benefits, cost and other features of a Java signing certificate A Java code signing certificate is just a regular code signing certificate that’s used for signing and securing all types of Java software, applications, and executable. Without a Java signing certificate, your software will display an “Unknown publisher” or “Unsigned” warning message in the security window whenever someone tries to download it. Users’ operating systems will alert the users that your software is coming from an unauthentic publisher and might be compromised, posing a security risk. But with Continue Reading

How Do I Generate a Self Signed Code Signing Certificate?

Before we get into how you can create a self signed code signing certificate, let’s understand what it is, how it is different from the ones offered by a third-party certificate authority (CA), and which one is more suited for your specific needs. Without further ado, let’s jump right in! What Is a Code Signing Certificate? A code signing certificate is a data file that places a cryptographic digital signature on your code. I say cryptographic because I don’t want some of you to think of it as a digitized Continue Reading

Java Code Signing Certificate — Secure Your Java Applications

Java is one of the most popular languages used by developers to build software. A lot of the everyday applications we use, such as social media platforms, popular desktop applications, and large parts of Android, use Java or were built using it. A Java code signing certificate helps to assert the identity of the software publisher to the end users and affirms file integrity. Essentially, it assures customers that an attacker has not modified the program after it has been signed by the publisher, and that the publisher is legitimate. Continue Reading

Windows Code Signing Certificate — All You Need to Know

Code signing is done to assure end-users that the software they’re downloading is legitimate and has not been altered by an attacker trying to breach their privacy. A Windows code signing certificate is specifically for coders or software developers who create and publish executable programs for Microsoft platforms. If you require certification for Microsoft Windows® Logo programs, regardless of whether you develop software for Windows Phone, Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, Microsoft Office or, Azure, Sectigo offers a Windows code signing solution that guarantees a secure experience for your customers. But Continue Reading

Free Code Signing Certificate- Where Can I Get One?

Does any certificate authority provide free code signing certificates? Can I get a code signing certificate for free? A straightforward answer is NO. Technically you can, but you shouldn’t. Free code signing certificates are a way to infiltrate your systems and infect them with malware. Therefore, you should stay away from such freebies. No genuine certificate authority (CA) offers a free code signing certificate in the industry. If you see a free code signing certificate, there might be three options: Free trial version: You’re still going to pay for it Continue Reading

What to Know About Code Signing Certificates for Individual Developers

Wondering how you can get an individual code signing certificate? Here’s your answer If you’re thinking of protecting your software/code/app using an individual code signing certificate, you’re definitely thinking in the right direction. This is because of the two things a code signing certificate brings to the table: validity and code integrity. But, wait, aren’t code signing certificates for businesses and organizations only? Yes, usually, code signing certificates are used by organizations that create software. That’s there’s often a misconception that they’re only for companies and individuals (because they must Continue Reading

What is a Microsoft EV Code Signing Certificate?

How to get rid of Microsoft SmartScreen warnings with an EV code signing certificate Are you a software developer who has put countless hours into building and releasing your software, only to find out that your software users are getting this warning when they install it? It’s pretty frustrating, isn’t it? Fortunately, there’s a solution: Microsoft EV code signing. This warning is Microsoft’s SmartScreen filter, which is designed to protect users from dangerous software files. It does a good job at that, but it tends to catch new software in Continue Reading

7 Code Signing Best Practices

Code signing is the process of getting your code signed digitally by a trusted certificate authority (CA). The CA verifies the identity of the author or publisher who submits the software and assures end-users that his identity has been validated. Although this process is pretty straightforward conceptually, there are some code signing best practices that you can implement to make the process a little smoother and more effective. We’ll jump into some of those code signing best practices for Microsoft in particular shortly. Before you can start using best practices, Continue Reading

What Is Code Signing Certificate and How Does It Work?

One of the most common security buzz words you hear these days is hashing. If you’re familiar with the concept, then you already know that hashing is used to verify the integrity of your files. Now picture a hacker compromising your website and replacing your uploaded files along with their hashes. It’s here that a code signing certificate can swoop in to save the day! When you release an application or an executable file, you would probably want to ensure that an attacker doesn’t change your original file. An attacker Continue Reading

Comodo Code Signing vs GoDaddy Code Signing Certificates

Compare Comodo code signing and GoDaddy code signing certificates: features, prices, and compatibility  In this article, we compare code signing certificates from two prominent brands, Sectigo (formerly known as Comodo CA) and GoDaddy. Both of these certificate authorities are highly reputed in the industry and are well-known for their cyber security products. Even though we’re now called Sectigo, we’ll refer to these certificates as Comodo code signing certificates in this article to make things easier for you since you may be used to referring to them by our former name.  One of their popular products is the code signing certificate. This type of certificate is used by software developers and publishers to protect downloadable software, Continue Reading

Code Signing Certificates Comparison

Compare code signing certificates: The ultimate comparison of features, prices, types, and brands Getting a code signing certificate is an excellent decision for your software’s security and authenticity. There are multiple types of code signing certificates available in the market with different price ranges, features, and brands. So, comparing all code signing certificates before choosing the right one for your organization is an essential step. To help you with the research and buying process, we’ve  prepared this code signing certificate comparison guide and have compared all the prominent code signing Continue Reading

Microsoft Authenticode Code Signing Certificates

What is a Microsoft Authenticode Code Signing Certificate? Everything you need to know: Utility, Working style, Cost, and Compatibility. Microsoft’s Authenticode technology allows software publishers to use X.509 code-signing certificates to sign their software. Code signing certificates verify the publisher of the software and ensure that the software is the same and hasn’t been changed since it was signed by the original issuer.   Microsoft itself doesn’t verify the publisher’s identity and code’s integrity. Instead, it relies on a proven Public Key Cryptography system that allows a third-party certificate authority, like Sectigo (previously Comodo CA), to authenticate the publisher and hash the codes.   With Continue Reading