Buy Code Signing Certificates

$226.10 per year

Code Signing certificate signs software, application, and drivers to assure users that the software is from the original/authenticated publisher. It reassures users that the code is not modified or tampered with since it is signed with the certificate. A Code Signing certificate is essential for a publisher who distributes software via third-party download sites. If the code is not signed, it will show an ‘Unknown publisher’ warning to users.

• A Code Signing certificate ensures that the code is from the original publisher. It removes the ‘Unknown publisher’ warning and offers a smooth user experience.
• Code Signing cert assures users that the code has not been modified since it is signed and is safe to download. If the code is modified or tampered with, it will show a warning to users.
• Code Sign certificate verifies and establishes a publisher’s reputation and helps to increase the downloads of software.
• In an EV Code Signing cert, a private key is stored on HSM that saves it from cyber thieves.

Code Signing certificates are of two types: Organization Validation Code Signing Certificate and Extended Validation Code Signing Certificate.

OV Code Signing certificate – You can sign your code in the OV Code Signing certificate, which will showcase your organization as a publisher. It does show a smart screen popup during installation, which asks you to confirm if you want to proceed further but will not be a warning. The software reputation will be built organically as the files/software downloads increases.

EV Code Signing certificate – It does not show any popup. EV Code Signing cert offers an immediate acknowledgment with Microsoft SmartScreen reputation scanner. So, it’s a guarantee that users won’t see an unknown publisher warning message “The publisher could not be verified. Are you sure you want to run this software?” if the software is signed with EV Code Signing Certificate. It includes a USB token that is sent to you by CA. So, you will need a certificate and USB token to bind the code.

OV Code signing certificate will be issued with a 4096-bit key by default and hashing algorithm will be SHA256.

EV Code Signing certificate will be issued with a 4096-bit key by default and hashing algorithm will be SHA256.

Yes, a Code Signing certificate can be issued to an individual.

The below process is required to complete the validation process

• CA will need to verify your legal (for organization Authentication), physical address, and phone verification.
• Government-issued photo ID of the requestor.
• They will complete the callback verification once the above details are verified.
• Review your documents for final approval.
• Once all processes get completed successfully, the certificate gets issued.

Operating systems like Microsoft, Apple, and Android stop users from installing unknown and compromised software to protect their data. Prior to installing the application or software, the client OS always checks for the software publisher’s information. If the software is not signed by a legit publisher, the OS will report an UNKNOWN PUBLISHER error and the user will stop installing the software. OS publishers regularly update security definitions to catch and eliminate suspicious and compromised applications.

The reputed CAs like Comodo, Sectigo and DigiCert are authorized by the CA/B forum and Operating System Council. The CA checks the publisher’s identity, authenticity, business process, etc. prior to issuing the certificate. The OS will check the certificate validity before installing the application on the device with the CA time-stamp server. We’re an authorized reseller for all known CAs and offer discounted prices on Code Signing certificates.

You need a Code Signing certificate to remove the Unknown Publisher error. Code Signing Certificates are used to stamp and sign the software, code, executable, documents, etc. with the publisher’s information. Applications signed with a Code Signing Certificate will display Publisher’s identity on the installation first screen.

No, the Code Signing certificates don’t scan or remove code infection. The publisher is solely responsible for compromised code. Some advertisers shout out that codesign certificate is a software scanner. A code sign cert is a signed certificate by trusted CAs to add the publisher’s signature to the application.

A Code Signing certificate does not encrypt code. It just signs (stamps) the application code with the issuer’s name. So, the user can recognize the issuer or publisher of the application. Code Signing will be embedded with software or client application (executables).

A Code Signing certificate is used to sign a code of the application. However, a Code Signing certificate cannot be used to secure a domain name/website.

The Code Signing certificate is tied to the organization name to which the certificate is issued. The CSR shows a verified organization name. A domain name requested at the time of the request is replaced with the organization name at the time of certificate issuance to let users reveal the correct details.

A Code Signing certificate is offered for up to 3 years. A timestamp feature should be added to avoid certificate expiration.

A FIPS 140-2 hardware token refers to a cryptographic device that meets the security requirements outlined in the Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) Publication 140-2. FIPS 140-2 is a U.S. government standard defining the security requirements for cryptographic modules that protect sensitive information.

This standard is considered essential for ensuring robust security practices and is divided into four security levels, with level 1 being the lowest and level 4 offering the highest level of protection. With the introduction of a new regulation by the CA/B forum for standard code signing certificates, it is now required for users to utilize FIPS 140-2 compliant hardware tokens (or higher security level) to generate and store their CSR and private keys.

These FIPS 140-2 hardware tokens are designed as small electronic devices that securely store and safeguard confidential data. They meet the security criteria outlined in the FIPS 140-2 standard. To assure software’s reliability and confirm that it hasn’t been changed since it was released, these tokens are frequently paired with code signing certificates.

A Hardware Security Module (HSM) in code signing refers to a specialized physical device or appliance designed to provide secure key management and cryptographic operations related to code signing processes. It is a dedicated hardware device that offers high security and protection for cryptographic keys and operations.

HSMs are used in code signing to securely store private keys for code signing certificates and perform cryptographic operations such as signing software or code. They provide a secure environment for key generation, storage, and signing operations, protecting the keys from unauthorized access, theft, or tampering.

The primary purpose of an HSM in code signing is to ensure the integrity and authenticity of the signed code. Securely storing the private key within the HSM prevents unauthorized access to the key and reduces the risk of key compromise. The HSM performs the cryptographic signing operation within its secure environment, ensuring the signed code cannot be modified without detection.

HSMs often come with additional security features, such as tamper-resistant hardware, secure audit trails, and secure key backup and recovery support. They are typically used by users that require strong security measures and compliance with industry regulations or standards.

Using an HSM for code signing offers a higher level of security, compliance with industry standards, protection of private keys, and enhanced trust in the signed code. It ensures the code signing process is performed within a secure and controlled environment, reducing the risks associated with unauthorized access, key compromise, or tampering.

A YubiKey code refers to a unique code generated by a YubiKey device. Developed by Yubico, YubiKey is a hardware authentication token that stands for “ubiquitous key”. It is a compact USB or NFC-enabled device with reliable two-factor authentication and secure login options.

The YubiKey code is generated using a combination of cryptographic algorithms and secret keys stored securely within the YubiKey device. The device is designed to prevent the extraction or compromise of these secret keys, ensuring the security of the generated codes.

YubiKey codes are widely used for authentication purposes, such as securing online accounts, accessing corporate systems, and protecting sensitive information. Requiring the YubiKey code in addition to a password or PIN adds an extra layer of security and mitigates the risks associated with password-based authentication alone.

To use a YubiKey for a code signing certificate, follow these steps:

• Generate CSR(Certificate Signing Request) and Key attestation from Yubikey.
• Purchase a code signing certificate from a trusted Certificate Authority (CA), use your CSR and Key attestation to request the certificate, and get the certificate issued.
• Insert your YubiKey hardware token into a USB port on your computer, allowing access to the token-based code signing certificate.
• To enable the YubiKey as the signing method, you must configure the YubiKey software manager and unlock the token by entering your PIN or password. Then import the Code-signing certificate in the Yubikey, which will allow the YubiKey to be utilized for code-signing purposes.

Once your purchase is complete, the certificate delivery method cannot be modified. If an alternative certificate delivery method is required, cancel your order and place a new one using the preferred one.