Importance of Code Signing your Code

Wikipedia defines Code Signing as “the process of digitally signing executables and scripts to confirm the software author and guarantee that the code has not been altered or corrupted since it was signed by use of a cryptographic hash.”

Anyone who distributes or publishes software over the internet faces the dilemma of instilling trust in their product. As public concern for the security of online data transfers grows, fewer and fewer people are willing to download content without knowing its source and integrity.

Presently most browsers are only able to ask customers if they trust the origin from which data is to be transferred from, and do nothing to validate the safety issues related to the download. In today’s world of spammers and hackers, code can easily be infected then redistributed to the world.

This has aided in the transmission of many of to days computer viruses and the public at large has became wary of this problem.

Through the use of digital signatures developers are able to inform their customers who the code is from as well as setup checksum algorithms to verify that the code has not been altered. The time stamp of the certificate assures the customer that seal is valid and the product is safe to download and use.

Code Signing creates a virtual sealed box for online transfers which is an effective deterrent to unauthorized tampering. As Code Signing Certificates are only distributed through trusted Certificate Authorities, and are not made available to individuals. Only businesses which are verified through state or federal government agencies are issued these certificates.

When contemplating an authority to purchase a Code Signing Certificate from, business owners should be aware that not all Certificate Authorities are alike. Some authorities do put limits on the number of time stamps and applications which are allowed for a particular certificate.

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