Best Code Signing Certificates in 2023

PUBLISH DATE: 04 Apr 2023

A code signing certificate is a digital software security certificate that is used to sign software code. The purpose of the certificate is to provide assurance to the end user that the code has not been tampered with or modified since it was signed. When a user downloads and installs software, the operating system or web browser checks the code signature to ensure that it is valid and has not been altered. Code Signing process helps to prevent malware and other malicious software from being installed on a user's device.

What is a Code Signing Certificate?

Code signing certificates are issued by certificate authorities (CAs) who are responsible for verifying the identity of the signer and ensuring that the certificate is not issued to a malicious party. The CA will typically perform a background check on the signer, which may include verifying their identity and conducting a credit check. Once the signer has been verified, the CA will issue a code signing certificate that can be used to sign software code.

How Does Code Signing Certificate Work?

The process of signing a code with a code signing certificate involves several steps:

Step 1: The developer creates a software application or code and compiles it into an executable file.

Step 2: The developer then obtains a code signing certificate from a trusted CA. The CA will typically verify the identity of the developer before issuing the certificate.

Step 3: The developer uses a code signing tool to sign the executable file with the code signing certificate. The tool generates a hash of the executable file and then encrypts the hash with the private key associated with the code signing certificate. The encrypted hash is then appended to the executable file, creating a digital signature.

Step 4: When a user downloads the signed executable file, the operating system or web browser checks the digital signature to ensure that it is valid and has not been tampered with. This is done by decrypting the hash using the public key that is included with the code signing certificate. If the decrypted hash matches the hash of the downloaded file, then the signature is valid and the executable file can be trusted.

Why do You need to Buy Code Signing Certificate for Your Software or Executables?

Code signing certificates offer several benefits for both software developers and end-users, including:

Authenticity for Users

Code signing certificates provide assurance to end-users that the software they are downloading and installing is authentic and has not been tampered with or modified since it was signed. This can help to prevent malware and other malicious software from being installed on a user's device.

Confidence & Trust in Customers

Code signing certificates can help to build trust with end-users by providing a verifiable source of the software code. When users see that a software application has been signed with a code signing certificate, they are more likely to trust that the software is safe and secure.

Reduced Windows Warning Messages

Some operating systems and web browsers display warning messages when users attempt to download and install unsigned code. By signing code with a code signing certificate, these warning messages can be avoided, which can help to increase user trust and adoption of the software.

Enhanced Software Digital Security

Code signing certificates can help to enhance the security of software code by providing an additional layer of protection against malicious attacks. The digital signature created by the code signing process can be used to verify the authenticity and integrity of the code, helping to prevent tampering and modification.

Build Brand Reputation

Code signing certificates can also help to enhance the brand reputation of software developers and publishers by demonstrating their commitment to security and trust.

Compliance

In some industries, such as healthcare and finance, code signing certificates may be required in order to comply with industry regulations and standards.

Types of Code Signing Certificates That You Need to Know Before You Buy It

Standard Code Signing Certificates

Standard Code Signing certificate is used for signing code that will be distributed to the general public. It verifies the identity of the publisher and ensures that the code has not been tampered with since it was signed. Standard code signing certificates are typically issued by trusted Certificate Authorities (CAs) such as DigiCert, Symantec, and GlobalSign.

EV Code Signing Certificate

EV Code Signing certificate provides an additional layer of security by requiring more rigorous verification of the publisher's identity. In addition to verifying the identity of the publisher, an EV code signing certificate also verifies the legal existence of the organization and its physical location. This type of certificate provides the highest level of assurance to end-users that the software code is authentic and secure. EV code signing certificates are typically issued by trusted CAs such as DigiCert, Symantec, and GlobalSign.

The Best Code Signing Certificates of 2023

Comodo Code Signing Certificate

Comodo Code Signing Certificate is a software signing certificate that allows software developers and publishers to sign their code and assure end-users of its authenticity and integrity. Comodo is a well-known provider of SSL certificates and code signing certificates.

Features:

Issued by Comodo CA, a well-known and trusted Certificate Authority
Available for both Windows and Mac OS
Provides a digital signature that verifies the authenticity and integrity of software code
Can be used to sign executable files, scripts, and other types of code
Supports timestamping to ensure that signed code remains valid even after the certificate has expired

Benefits:

Builds trust with end-users by providing assurance that software code is authentic and has not been tampered with
Helps to prevent warning messages from operating systems and web browsers that can discourage users from downloading and installing software
Provides an additional layer of security by preventing unauthorized modification of code after it has been signed
Helps to enhance brand reputation by demonstrating a commitment to security and trust
Supports compliance with industry regulations and standards in some industries, such as healthcare and finance.

Comodo EV Code Signing Certificate

Comodo EV Code Signing Certificate is a software publisher certificate that provides the highest level of assurance to end-users by requiring rigorous verification of the publisher's identity before issuing the certificate. This certificate is used for signing code that will be distributed to the general public, and provides an additional layer of security and trust.