What is an Individual Validation (IV) Code Signing Certificate?

In this article, you will learn What is Individual Validation Code Signing certificate, how its need and how software developers use them.

As of now, most people think that only large organizations develop software. But, it could be more accurate, as there are individual developers who build and launch avant-garde applications. And they also utilize digital certificates, known as IV Code Signing Certificates, for boosting security.

With the increase in lone software publishers, the sale of Individual Code Signing Certificates is skyrocketing.

You are in the right place if you are a solo software developer, security professional, or enthusiast. Further, you will get all the details to understand Code Signing Certificate for individuals.

What is Individual Validation Code Signing Certificate?

If you are an individual software publisher, it’s normal to wonder about securing source code and improving its credibility. Most people think that Code Signing Certificates are for organizations rather than independent developers.

However, it is not true. Individual Validation Code Signing Certificate is particularly for solo software publishers.

It follows all the industry standards and provides the same security, validity, and credibility advantage compared to a Standard Code Signing Certificate. Moreover, it aids lone developers in digitally signing their software to enhance legitimacy. As a result, the end-users get a smooth download and installation experience.

The IV Code Signing Certificate is the solution if you are working solely on a software project and want the system to recognize it. Its vetting process is seamless, and you don’t need any high-end documentation to avail of it. Additionally, it is available at an economical price and offers unlimited signing.

Therefore, investing in an Individual Validation Code Signing Certificate will boost your software’s security. Also, your customer satisfaction rate will increase, as they will not face Publisher Unknown Warning.

The need for Code Signing Certificate for Individuals

Likewise, for organizations, individual developers must utilize a Code Signing Certificate to fulfill the below requirements.

To Provide a Tamper-proof Code

Preventing cyber-attackers and crackers from altering the code is a high-priority security concern. And to successfully fulfilling the requirement, the IV Code Signing Certificate can help. It performs hashing on the source code and secures it with the private key. As a result, malicious actors get disabled to access and read code.

To Prevent Software Installation Blocking

The system displays an Unknown Publisher Warning if the user tries installing software from an unauthorized publisher. And sometimes, operating systems even block the installation of that particular application.

Therefore, when you digitally sign software, OS recognizes it as legit and executes installation without showing any warning.

To Ensure a Secure Environment for Stakeholders

Trusting software coming from an individual publisher takes work for end-users. But, if you have a digitally signed application, stakeholders prefer to use it.

The overall source code gets converted into a hash value, preventing malicious actors from modifying it. Therefore, Code Signing Certificate builds trust among stakeholders that their data is in safe hands.

To Improve Software Validity and Authenticity

Individual Validation Code Signing Certificate aids in accelerating the software’s authenticity in the long run. Its timestamping feature maintains the software’s trustworthiness, even after certificate expiration.

The system will always consider software as licit, providing a flawless operation.

Let’s understand the Working of an Individual Code Signing Certificate

Behind every Individual Code Signing Certificate, various processes get executed in a streamlined way. Following are the activities getting performed in the background.

1. When you open the Command Line Interface and run SignTool commands, it first creates a hash value of the source code.
2. Further, the publisher uses the private key to secure the software, and the public key gets integrated.
3. When the individual developer uploads the software to an online repository, its public key will also get uploaded.
4. Following it, the system generates a hash value whenever an end-user download and installs the software.
5. The hash values generated during signing and installation will get cross-verified along with private and public key relations.
6. If both outputs match perfectly, the software will get installed. Otherwise, the user will see a warning message on the screen.

Cheapest Code Signing Certificate: Where to Find and How to Avail

Finding a Cheap Code Signing Certificate is a quick and easy task. However, obtaining an affordable yet reliable certificate is complex. Numerous Code Signing Certificate Vendors and Providers are available, but only a few aligns with the latest standards.

While finalizing the certificate vendor, you must verify that it is a reputed partner of Certificate Authorities. SignMyCode is the most prominent example, providing genuine code security solutions. Also, it has tied up with various certificate providers, such as Comodo and Sectigo.

Further, to obtain the IV Code Signing Certificate, you must undergo the following procedure.

Step 1: Purchase the Code Signing Certificate.

Step 2: After purchase, you will receive an email from CA with instructions to submit the required documents.

Step 3: You must submit your Government ID, Financial Statement and Birth Certificate. All the documents must have your full name with zero errors. In addition, you have to provide a mobile number.

Step 4: After validating the details on all the documents, Certificate Authority will call you for verification.

Step 5: If the CA gets satisfied with all the information, it will issue you an Individual Code Signing Certificate.

Winding Up

Individual Validation Code Signing Certificate is a top-notch security component for solo software publishers. It aids them in digitally signing their executable files and enhances their reputation across operating systems. In addition, publishers don’t have to provide proof of working in an organization, as only a government, financial and non-financial document is required.

Additionally, the IV Code Signing Certificate works similarly to OV Code Signing Certificate, providing the same advanced level hashing. The only difference is it’s solely for independent and single software developers/publishers.

Recommended Read: Documents Required to Get an Individual Code Signing Certificate Issued

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