{"id":641,"date":"2020-08-02T11:34:49","date_gmt":"2020-08-02T11:34:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sectigostore.com\/page\/?p=641"},"modified":"2025-07-11T13:33:34","modified_gmt":"2025-07-11T13:33:34","slug":"code-signing-certificate-expired-issues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sectigostore.com\/page\/code-signing-certificate-expired-issues\/","title":{"rendered":"Code Signing Certificate Expired Issues"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What happens to my software and digital signatures when my code signing certificate expires?   <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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If this question haunts you at night, you’re not alone! Most software developers and publishers face this dilemma at one point. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Timestamping: The Ultimate Shield to Avoid Code Signing Certificate Expiration Issues  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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You can use the timestamping function to avoid issues that stem from code signing certificate expiries. <\/strong>The software developer\/publisher can add a timestamp (i.e., put a digital signature) on the code using their unique private key. The digital signature will stay valid forever \u2014 even after the certificate expires.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A timestamp is proof that the software was signed by the verified publisher while the certificate was still valid, and that it has not been altered since it was signed. In other words, the publisher of the software is the same as it was at the time when the code was signed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, even after the code signing certificate is expired, all the timestamped software will show the publisher’s name instead of \u201cunknown\u201d on the security dialogue box. Without a timestamp, the digital signature dies with the certificate expiration and the end user will receive an error message.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sectigo<\/strong> <\/strong>offers the timestamping <\/strong>function<\/strong> <\/strong>for free. It doesn’t have any restrictions on the number of software <\/strong>applications <\/strong>you can sign while your Sectigo code signing certificate is valid. <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Note: Timestamping doesn\u2019t mean <\/em>that <\/em>you <\/em>can get away with not<\/em> renew<\/em>ing your<\/em> code signing certificate<\/em>.<\/em> Your signature in the timestamped software will be safe forever, but you won’t be able to sign and hash <\/em>any<\/em> new software after code signing certificate’s expiry date. <\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Code Signing Certificate Got Expired or Expiring Soon? Follow This Expert Code Signing Certificate Renewal Guide!   <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once a code signing certificate expires, the browsers and operating systems will start showing the security warnings<\/strong> when some tries to download the software. The warning dialogue box would be the same as it was before installing the code signing certificate. If you have timestamped your software, users will be still shown the security warning, but the publisher\u2019s name will be displayed on the security popup.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Warning Window for the expired code signing certificates<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s advisable to renew the code signing certificate before it expires to avoid a security lapse or certificate outage. You can renew a code signing certificate as early as 90 days before its expiry date<\/strong>. If you renew your code signing certificate early, you won\u2019t lose any time remaining on your existing certificate. Sectigo will adjust the remaining time on the new certificate. Plus, the validation process becomes way quicker. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To renew your SSL, simply follow this link<\/a> and click on the \u201cRenew Now\u201d instead of \u201dAdd to cart.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"renew<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n