Digital code signing certificates protect an application from every kind of phishing attack and modifications by external guests. Software developers use code sign certificate to sign their files, applications, and drivers, etc securely so that customer knows that your application/software is secure and cannot be tampered easily by anyone. When software developers go for a code sign certificate, they have two options to choose from: standard OV (Organization Validation) CodeSign Certificate and EV (Extended Validation) CodeSign Certificate.
EV code sign certificate is just another type of code sign certificate that provides a higher level of security including more rigorous vetting of the customer who wants to buy this product. Moreover, in this type of certificate private keys are stored in a token externally to prevent them from any unauthorized hands. That’s the only big difference between standard and extended validation code sign certificate.
CA/B Forum has also set some guidelines on how all CA’s will issue these two code sign certificate types like EV code sign requires intensive verification before issuing certificate to website/software. And another one is that it cannot be issued to an individual, although the sole proprietor can apply for the same certificate. If someone already has a standard code sign certificate, they automatically get qualified for EV code signing certificate, and then we can skip few steps in the verification process.
| Parameters | EV Code Signing Certificate |
OV Code Signing Certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Process of vetting followed | The CAs have a more elaborate authentication process to validate the credentials of the developer. The strict CA/Browser forum guidelines are followed. | The CAs have a more straightforward process of vetting and issuing the certificate. |
| Protection of the Private Key | You are provided with an external hardware token, and all you have to do is protect it in a safe location. | There is no fixed method to protect the private key. It varies across organizations and is usually the prerogative of the developers. |
| Microsoft SmartScreen filter | Microsoft SmartScreen Recognition builds trust for software. When the developers sign the code with any EV code signing certificate, it will automatically receive the Microsoft SmartScreen Recognition. | With a regular certificate, the SmartScreen reputation is built organically. As users download and install your software, the reputation gets built. |
| Usage | Prerequisite for signing for Windows 10 kernel-mode drivers. | You can use it to sign drivers preceding Windows 10 versions. |
| Issuance time | Takes up to five days to be provided by the CA. | You can receive the certificate within three days. |
| Pricing | Higher price than a regular code signing certificate but provides better security features. | Lower price than an EV code signing certificate. |
Below is a comparison of regular code signing and EV code signing from a same brand. We can see difference in different aspects including price, issuance time, validation types, other essential features. However, both types of Code Signing certificate supports major platforms that we can see to it from below table.
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| Product Name | Comodo Code Signing Certificate | Comodo EV Code Signing Certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ||
| RSA Key | 3072-bit or 4096-bit | 3072-bit or 4096-bit |
| Encryption | SHA-2 | SHA-2 |
| Issuance Time | 1-3 Business Days | 1-5 Business Days |
| Validation Type | Organization Validation | Extended Validation |
| Displays Verified Publisher Name | ||
| Instant SmartScreen Reputation | ||
| Physical USB Token (2FA) | ||
| Individual Developer Eligibility | ||
| Microsoft Authenticode Signing | ||
| Windows 8 &10 Signing | ||
| Windows Vista X64 kernel Mode Signing | ||
| Microsoft Office VBA Signing | ||
| Apple OS X Signing | ||
| Java Signing | ||
| Mozilla Signing | ||
| Adobe AIR Signing | ||
| Microsoft Office 365 Signing | ||
| Windows Phone Apps Signing | ||
| Brew Code Signing | ||
| Microsoft Office Document Security | ||
| Reissuance | Unlimited | |
| Refund Policy | 30 Days 100% money back | 30 Days 100% money back |
| Vendor Price |
$379.00/year
|
$498.00/year
|
| Now Only |
$226.10/year
|
$296.65/year
|
| Add To cart | Add To cart |
Both types of certificates are worth buying, OV is good for the software testing phase as it will help you to know how good it is working with users. Depending upon the usage and download capacity, it will take time to build its reputation.
On other hand, an EV code signing certificate is always advisable as it will enhance your conversions. Getting instant trust, while paying a small price is not a bad offer.
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