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 the use of a Java code signing certificate, the publisher’s name will be displayed as the “Verified publisher.” Also, it’s hashing functionality provides assurance about the software’s integrity.

Benefits of Using a Java Code Signing Certificate

The main advantages of signing your Java software and applications with Sectigo code signing certificate are as follows:

Publisher’s Identity Assurance

The certificate authority (CA) follows a strict verification process set by the CA/Browser Forum (CA/B Forum) before issuing a code signing certificate to an applicant. The certificate authority’s staff must manually check the business’s details through online government records or local municipal business directories. If unsatisfied, they ask the companies to provide additional documentation to make sure the applicant is the representative of a genuine company. These documents include:

• Registration papers, articles of incorporation,
• A chartered license,
• Dun & Bradstreet report, and
• A professional opinion letter.

Secure Digital Signature

A digital signature enables software developers and publishers to attach a digital signature to their apps using their unique private keys. These private keys are made using a robust 3072-bit RSA algorithm, which means no one can imitate, copy, or modify your digital signature.

Software Integrity

Once the publisher attaches their digital signature to the software, the code signing certificate hashes the entire software codes along with the digital signature.

This means that when the user downloads the software, their operating system generates another hash value, which must be similar to the software’s original hash value. If someone tries to alter/modify the software or digital signature while it’s in transit, the hash value changes, and the user will be immediately notified about such compromise. 

The intact hash value vouches for software’s integrity. The hashing function ensures that software cannot be tampered without getting noticed.

Customer Trust

A digitally signed software application boosts customers’ confidence about its authenticity and helps to gain their trust, which ultimately contribute to improve software download rates. It provides the users a guarantee that the software really comes from the publisher who signed it and hasn’t been compromised in the transit.

Difference Between a Regular Code Signing Certificate and a Java Code Signing Certificate

As far as Sectigo’s code signing certificates are concerned, there is no difference. You need to buy only one code signing certificate which will be enough for signing all types of software, including

• Any Microsoft format (32 and 64 bit), EXE, OCX, MSI, CAB, DLL, and kernel software
• Adobe AIR applications
• JAVA applets
• Mozilla object files
• Microsoft Office Macro or Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) files
• Apple Mac software for MacOS 9 and OSX
• Microsoft Silverlight applications or XAF files

However, not all code signing certificates are the same. With some other brands’ code signing certificates, you can sign only one type of software with the same certificate. In other words, if you get a Java code signing certificate from some companies, you can’t sign any other type of software with that particular code signing certificate.

Can an Individual Developer Get a Java Code Signing Certificate?

Yes — but only Sectigo offers individual validated (IV) Java code signing certificates to individual developers, freelancers, start-ups, and small businesses. Our mission is to provide affordable cybersecurity products to all the businesses irrespective of their size and age. However, we don’t leave any stone unturned to validate the applicant’s credentials and identity.

If you’re an independent developer, the vetting process requires notary ID form, government-issued IDs such as passport, driver’s license or personal ID card, and a financial and non-financial document that contains your full name.

To know more about the Java code signing certificate verification process for individuals, please refer to this resource: Individual Validation (IV) Procedure.

Note: Extended validation (EV) code signing certificates are issued to organizations and can’t be issued to individuals.

How Much Does the Java Code Signing Certificate Cost?

Java code signing certificates range between $80 to $500 per year, approximately, depending on the brand and type of certificate validation. Sectigo offers the least expensive Java code signing certificates in the market. On SectigoStore.com, which is Sectigo’s platinum partner, you can get an OV/IV code signing certificate at the discounted price of $79/year and EV code signing certificate at $129.67/year.