The Use of Code Signing as Security Solution

Choosing the right security means providing the best protection for each layer related to what you do. If you are a software or application developer, using a security solution can protect users from security warnings that appear when they want to install or use your software. Users tend to trust in software that does not have a security warning, so they will not hesitate to install the software immediately. Interested in using it?

For software security needs, Code Signing comes as the best solution. If you want to know what Code Signing is and why need it, let’s discuss it.

Code Signing

Code Signing is a digital certificate that guarantees the validity of codes, software, applications, and executables. Based on the PKI (Public Key Infrastructure), Code Signing signs the code and ensures that the code is not modified or tampered with by any party during the distribution from the developer to the end-user. This is a very helpful way for end-users to determine whether the software can be trusted or not. Those who need Code Signing can consider which brand products to choose. Symantec, Thawte, and Sectigo are known as brands that provide Code Signing.

How Code Signing Works

Code Signing works with an encryption technique called PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) which is also known as a method used in the SSL Certificate (Secure Socket Layer). Two cryptographic keys, a public key, and private key are used to encrypt the code. The pair of keys is generated when the software publisher requests a certificate from the Certificate Authority. A Certificate Authority is a company that doesn’t only issue but also manages each certificate from its users.

The private key is used to sign data or code while the public key is used to authorize the signature. The private key must be kept well by the software publisher, so the software remains safe and is protected from hackers who try to damage it. The applicant’s identity will be verified after the certificate provider accepts the request from the applicant. The certificate is considered valid and is issued after the Certificate Authority checks it.

The Process of Getting Code Signing

In order to sign the software using Code Signing, there are several steps that must be followed.

• You must choose Code Signing from a trusted Certificate Authority
• Make sure your identity is verified by the Certificate Authority
• Get one-way hash and use the private key to encrypt
• Combine hashes and certificates

Why Choose Code Signing

As well as choosing an SSL Certificate installed on the server for the domain you are using, make sure you have several reasons to buy Code Signing. In general, there are a number of reasons why you need to sign software, including:

Maximizing Distribution and Revenue on Multiple Platforms

Two trends that make Code Signing more important than ever are the increasing number of application users (for mobile and desktop devices) and the spread of malware. Software publishers and mobile network providers increasingly need code signing from trusted Certificate Authorities before receiving codes and distributing them. Code Signing supports Multiple Platforms.

Reducing Security Warnings by trusting a Certificate Authority!

It is undeniable that the use of Code Signing is very useful and is a necessity today. When using Code Signing, your code is automatically accepted smoothly for download. If a security warning appears, it might be a recommendation to trust your software code because the code is secured by a certificate issued by a Certificate Authority. It is important to know that security warnings depend on the client’s platform, application, and security settings.

Protect Code Integrity and Reputation

Digital signatures contain proof of code integrity, so the code cannot be changed and distributed with unapproved changes. If the hash used to mark the application matches the hash of the downloaded application, the integrity of the code remains valid. Conversely, if the hash that is used doesn’t match, the user gets a security warning or the code can’t be downloaded. Because Code Signing includes an optional timestamp to extend the life of your digital signature, the code will remain valid even if the certificate expires. This is because the validity of Code Signing at that time can be verified.