Secure your software with code signing SSL certificates that protect your users from tampered or unauthorized applications. By digitally signing your code, you build trust and confidence in your software’s integrity and authenticity, ensuring a safe experience for your customers.
What is a Code Signing Certificate?
A code signing certificate is a digital certificate used by software developers and publishers to secure their applications, scripts, or drivers. It verifies the authenticity and integrity of the software by providing a digital signature that ensures the code has not been tampered with or altered since its creation.
When users download and install your software, a code signing certificate reassures them that the program originates from a trusted source and is safe to use. It prevents warnings from operating systems or browsers that could deter users from proceeding with the installation.
Code signing certificates play a crucial role in establishing trust between developers and users, especially in an era where cybersecurity threats are increasingly common. By digitally signing your software, you protect your reputation, reduce security risks, and enhance user confidence.
Whether you’re distributing software for Windows, macOS, or mobile platforms, a code signing certificate is an essential tool to authenticate your code and ensure a seamless user experience.
How Does Code Signing SSL Work?
Code signing SSL certificates operate through a process that ensures the authenticity and integrity of your software. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how it works:
- Secure Installation. If the verification is successful, the software is installed without any security warnings. If the signature is invalid or missing, the user is alerted that the software’s origin cannot be trusted.
- Obtaining a Certificate. A software developer or organization purchases a code signing SSL certificate from a trusted Certificate Authority (CA). The CA verifies the identity of the developer to ensure they are legitimate.
- Signing the Code. Once issued, the certificate is used to digitally sign the software, script, or driver. The digital signature contains encrypted information about the developer’s identity and a hash of the software.
- Verification by the User. When users download or install the signed software, their device or browser uses the digital signature to verify two critical elements:
– Authenticity: The software comes from the developer who signed it.
– Integrity: The software has not been altered or tampered with since it was signed. - Secure Installation. If the verification is successful, the software is installed without any security warnings. If the signature is invalid or missing, the user is alerted that the software’s origin cannot be trusted.
Benefits of Code Signing Certification
Build Trust and Ensure Integrity
Code signing certificates verify your software’s authenticity, ensuring users that your executable programs are secure and free from tampering, building confidence in your digital products.
Comprehensive Validation Process
Code signing certificates require identity verification by trusted Certificate Authorities, ensuring both individual developers and businesses meet stringent vetting standards for added credibility.
Enhanced User Experience
Digitally signed code allows users to download and install your software seamlessly, avoiding security warnings and creating a smooth and professional customer experience.
Universal Compatibility
Trusted by leading platforms like Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, and Java, code signing certificates ensure your software integrates effortlessly with widely used operating systems and applications.
Boosted Reputation and Sales
By showcasing authenticity, code signing certificates enhance brand trust, improve conversion rates, and increase revenues, helping your business stand out in a competitive marketplace.
Secure Hardware Delivery
Delivered on encrypted USB tokens or HSMs, code signing certificates provide maximum security, safeguarding your private keys against unauthorized access and ensuring secure code distribution.
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Easier and cheaper than going directly and ordering via the vendor, thank you for the information and the simple shopping experience.
Excellent customer service when I ordered the wrong cert! The support team then helped me get the correct cert and refunded me on the incorrect cert I bought! Very fast and a happy customer.