Code Signing Certificate at $199.99

What is Code Signing?

Code Signing Certificate is a security approach to make software tamper-proof and authentic by adding a digital signature. A software-based solution, known as Code Signing Certificate, gets used to performing the signing process. With its capability of hashing and encrypting the source code, you can prevent unauthorized modification in your software. Moreover, it comes in three validation levels, IV, OV, and EV, to fulfill your business requirements.

Additionally, code signing helps to ensure an impeccable installation experience for users. Your software aligns with system standards, and your customer doesn't face an Unknown Publisher Warning. Also, your brand reputation grows, enhancing your legitimacy across prominent digital platforms. Therefore, Code Signing is a top-notch approach, efficiently optimizing security, user trust, and productivity.

Frequently Asked Questions about Code Signing

Who can apply for a Code Signing Certificate?

Any independent software developer/publisher and organization can apply for a code signing certificate. Solo developers can avail of IV Code Signing Certificates, and companies can apply for OV and EV Code Signing Certificates.

How can I apply for a Certificate?

To apply for the certificate, you must follow the below steps:

Step 1: Purchase a Code Signing Certificate from a reputed seller.

Step 2: You will receive an email to submit the necessary documents for the validation procedure.

Step 3: Submit documents to complete the vetting process. After complete verification, CA will issue you a digital certificate.

What is the difference between a Standard Code Signing Certificate and a Certificate with Extended Validation?

Standard Code Signing Certificate and Extended Validation Certificate are for organizations. However, both have contrasting factors as below:

• With EV Certificate, the organization receives a private key in a hardware token. And for the Standard certificate, CA provides a private key through email.
• EV provides complete assurance to bypass Microsoft Defender SmartScreen and Unknown Publisher Warning. But a standard certificate only ensures eliminating Unknown Publisher Warning.

If you are a new organization, you can only avail Standard Certificate, as a minimum of three years of operation activity is necessary to pass EV validation. Read this blog to know detailed comparison about Standard vs EV Code Signing.

How does the Validation Process Work?

The IV, OV, and EV certificate validation follow the same process. However, the primary difference is in documents and the time taken for verification.

Step 1: You fill out the enrollment form and submit the documents required by the Certificate Authority.

Step 2: Certificate Authority verifies the documents' details by looking into government and registered third-party databases.

Step 3: If your information is successfully cross-verified, CA call you for final confirmation.

Step 4: CA will issue you a Code Signing Certificate.

You can check out detailed information about validation in this blog.

Where can I download my Code Signing Certificate?

When a Certificate Authority issues a Code Signing Certificate, it will send you a link in the email. You must click on the link to navigate to the certificate collection website. In addition, you should use Microsoft Edge browser with Internet Explorer Compatibility Mode. Furthermore, enter details as required on the site and follow the mentioned procedure to download Code Signing Certificate on the local machine.

What Documents are required to order a Code Signing Certificate?

• Government ID (Passport, Driver's License, PR Card, or any government-approved identity card)
• Financial Document (Bank, Credit Card, or Debit Card Statement)
• Non-Financial Documents (Utility Bills)
• Phone Number

• Government ID or Registration/ Legal Opinion Letter/ Dun & Bradstreet Report
• Address Proof
• Phone Number

• Government ID or Registration/ Legal Opinion Letter/ Dun & Bradstreet Report
• Address Proof (Government approved document defining full address)
• Phone Number

How to Sign a code using a Code Signing Certificate?

You must use SignTool to sign a Code using a Code Signing Certificate. And to access SignTool, you need to open Command Prompt with administrator controls on a Windows machine.

To Sign code with password protected Code Signing Certificate file

SignTool sign /f CertFileName.pfx Password CodeFile.exe

To Sign code with a non-password protected Code Signing Certificate file

SignTool sign /f CertFileName.pfx CodeFile.exe

To Sign and Timestamp the code using a Code Signing Certificate.

SignTool sign /f CertFileName.pfx /t TimestampServerURL CodeFile.exe

Replace the keywords in the command with your file names and run. Your code will get signed.

How to use your Certificate after Purchasing it?

After purchasing the certificate, you must complete the vetting process according to the validation level of your certificate. Once the CA verifies your details and issues you a digital certificate, you must download and import it to the local machine.

Further, you can use the SignTool on a Windows machine to sign and timestamp executable files.

What is the difference between Code Signing and Document Signing? Can I sign PDF files with Ordinary Code Signing Certificates?

Code Signing refers to tamper-proofing executable files containing code/scripts by adding a digital signature to them. In contrast, document signing is to integrate digital signing with Microsoft Office and Adobe files.

Also, it's impossible to sign PDF files with code-signing certificates. For PDF files, you will require a document signing certificate.

Are there any differences between Code Signing Certificates for Java, Adobe AIR, Authenticode, and VBS?

No, there are no specific differences between code signing certificates for Java, Adobe AIR, Authenticode, and VBS. Currently, CA provides a certificate aligning with RFC 5280 specification, enabling publishers to use a single code signing certificate for all major executable file types.

Can I sign drivers (Kernel-mode) using a Code Signing Certificate?

Yes, you can sign Kernel-mode drivers using a Code Signing Certificate. It is applicable for both PnP and non-PnP versions of drivers. Read the Blog to Sign Driver Files with Kernel Mode Driver Certificate.

Is Code Signing Certificate the same as SSL Certificate?

No, Code Signing Certificate and SSL Certificate are two different security solutions. Code Signing Certificate is for protecting the source code. Whereas an SSL Certificate is for securing the data communication between the client and server.

Moreover, Code Signing utilizes both hashing and encryption. But an SSL certificate uses only encryption for security purposes. Although, Certificate Authorities are responsible for issuing both certificates.

What is a Timestamp?

Timestamp provides the date and time details when a particular file is signed. It helps the systems cross-verify the certificate validity period with the signing date of the software. As a result, the device recognizes the software as legitimate and doesn’t show warning messages during installation, even if the certificate expires. Read the Blog to know more about Timestamping in a Code Signing.

What is a .p12/PFX file (Or a PKCS12 file)?

.p12/PFX is the extension of an encrypted file containing a Code Signing Certificate, associated private key, and certificate chain details. When you download or export the digital certificate from the browser, the system stores it with the .p12/PFX extension.

Can I sign Mac Software using your Code Signing Products?

Yes, you can use our code-signing products to sign Mac software for iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks. All our products strictly align with CA/B standards and are issued by reputed CAs, such as Sectigo, DigiCert & Comodo.

How Many Applications Can Be Secured Through a Single Code Signing Certificate?

You can sign unlimited applications with a single code signing certificate. However, per a professional's advice, you must use a single certificate for limited applications for better data security. It will help you protect your other software if a certificate’s key gets breached.

What happens when my Code Signing Certificate Expires?

When your code signing certificate expires, two cases occur. The first is if your software doesn't have a timestamp, it will become invalid, and systems will start showing a warning for its installation. And the second case is if your software has a timestamp, it will remain valid.

You should always timestamp and renew the certificate to prevent the non-validity of your software. Read the blog to Prevent Code Signing Certificate Expiration Issues

What is the Validity of the Code Signing Certificate?

Code Signing Certificates have different validity periods, entirely depending upon your purchase. You can buy a certificate with one, two, and three-year validity.