EV Code Signing Certificate at $279.99
Protect your applications and software, establish publisher trust, and safeguard users from malicious code with the highest-level EV (Extended Validation) Code Signing Certificate. Recommended for organizations developing and distributing Windows drivers that require trusted publisher authentication and compliance with Microsoft's driver signing requirements.
| Name of Product | Validation | Issuance Time | List Price | Our Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comodo EV Code Signing | Extended | 1-5 Days |
|
$279.99/yr. | |
| Google Cloud KMS EV Code Signing | Extended | 1-5 Days |
|
$279.99/yr. | |
| Sectigo EV Code Signing | Extended | 1-5 Days |
|
$279.99/yr. | |
| Certera EV Code Signing | Extended | 1-5 Days |
|
$279.99/yr. | |
| Azure Key Vault EV Code Signing | Extended | 1-5 Days |
|
$559.99/yr. | |
| Digicert EV Code Signing | Extended | 1-5 Days |
|
$559.99/yr. |
What is an EV Code Signing Certificate?
EV (Extended Validation) Code Signing Certificates are the most secure type of software publisher certificate when it comes to digitally signing the applications, executables, installers, scripts, and drivers as well as verify the identity of the organization behind the software.
EV Certificates are different in terms of:
- Your Code is authenticated through a Strict Validation Process.
- It displays the name of the company or entity that owns the certificate.
- Build Recognition with Microsoft Defender SmartScreen.
- Capability of Kernel-Mode Driver Signing to Sign Windows 10/11 Drivers.
In contrast to standard code-signing certificates, EV certificates must go through extensive verification processes of an organization before issuing, thereby providing a higher level of user confidence and credibility to those distributing the software.
Features and Benefits of EV Code Signing Certificates
Here are the reasons why businesses should use extended validation over standard validation:
Prevents Security Warnings
Once you digitally sign your software, your signed software will bypass the unknown publisher warning message, which helps in providing a smooth software download and installation experience. Likewise, it also avoids other security warning messages such as unknown publisher that creates doubt whether your software is safe to use or not.
Unlimited Signing
Once your Extended Validation Cert gets issued, you'll be allowed to digitally sign an unlimited number of applications and software till your validity period doesn't get over. So, if you've purchased a code signing certificate of three-year validity, then for three years, you'll be able to sign an unlimited number of applications and software digitally.
Compatible With Universal Platforms
Allows you to sign software files and formats of different platforms digitally. For instance, you can easily code sign your software and application files of Adobe, Microsoft VBA, Java Applets, Macros, Mozilla, Java, MS Authenticode, Kernel Mode files such as .exe, .cab, .dll, .ocx, .msi, .xpi, and .xap.
Timestamping That Freezes Your Digital Signature
Time stamping is the important feature in code signing it allows to verify if the software was signed before or after the revocation of the code signing certificate. You can timestamp your digital signature. It means your digital signature will remain valid and trusted even after certificate expires.
Authenticity
EV (Extended Validation) displays your company name, company address, and company type with the digital signature, which indicates to the user that software they're downloading or installing is coming from the genuine software company. And, it isn't tampered since its signing.
Private Key Safety with Strongest Encryption
Extended Validation (EV) Code Signing ensures highest level of software / app security as the private key is stored on external USB hardware token along with unique PIN for digital signing to prevent unauthorized access to the private key.
Two-factor Authentication
It allows 2 Factor authenticity to protect the private key from theft or malware via hardware token and PIN combination. Along with that the strong and Strict vetting process ensures the organization’s identity and authority and legal existence with any 3rd party resources
Highly Trusted Cert
Extended Validation Certificate is considered as the highly trusted and most secured that represent high assurance and authenticity to end users along with benefits of Kernel Drivers and Windows 10 Driver Signing feature. It also helps to boost software downloads and conversation rate.
EV Code Signing Certificate Validation Requirements
An EV Code Signing Certificate must have a detailed verification process that determines if the organization is genuine.
Application Submission
Submit a request for your certificate along with your company's contact information and an organizational summary.
Business Verification
The Certificate Authority verifies:
- Legal business existence
- Physical address
- Operational status
- Registration records
Telephone Verification
To ensure the phone number of the business is correct the certificate authority confirms it with at least two independent sources.
Authorized Contact Verification
The certificate authority verifies that the person requesting the certificate is authorized by your organization.
Certificate Issuance
When verification has been completed successfully, an EV Code Signing Cert is issued and delivered securely.
Secure Key Deployment
Private keys for EV Code Signing Certificates are created and stored on USB Token or cloud HSM approved by the CAs.
Organization Validation vs Extended Validation Code Signing Comparison
While both Organization Validation (OV) and Extended Validation (EV) Code Signing Certificates verify the identity of the software publisher and the integrity of the software code, EV Code Signing Certificates provide the highest level of identity assurance, the most robust security control and the greatest advantages for organizations that publicly distribute their software.
| OV Code Signing | Feature | EV Code Signing |
|---|---|---|
| Standard organization validation | Organization Identity Verification | Rigorous extended validation |
| Yes | Publisher Identity Displayed | Yes (highest assurance) |
| Required | Hardware-backed Key Storage | Required |
| Builds Reputation over time | SmartScreen Trust Fignals | Faster Reputation |
| Not supported | Kernel-mode Driver Signing | Windows kernel-mode & user-mode drivers supported |
| HSM or hardware token required | Private Key Protection | HSM or hardware token required |
| Yes | Suitable for Public Software Distribution | Highly recommended |
| Standard business verification | Validation Rigor | Extensive legal and operational verification |
| Internal applications and standard software distribution | Best Suited for | Public software distribution, enterprise applications, and regulated industries |
| Starts at $215.99/yr | Starts at $279.99/yr |
While OV Code Signing provides software authenticity, EV Code Signing delivers the highest level of publisher verification and security assurance.
Choose EV Code Signing if you:
- Distribute software publicly.
- Require maximum user trust.
- Need stronger identity validation.
- Operate in regulated industries.
- Publish enterprise-grade applications.
- Want enhanced software reputation and credibility.
How Extended Validation (EV) Code Signing Works?
Extended Validation Code Signing Certificate performs the hashing and encryption in the background but more securely than other certificates. Firstly, you must insert your hardware token/USB into the system to provide access to the private key. And once you execute the appropriate commands, the EV certificate will start its action.
The original source code will get converted into a hash digest. Then, the certificate takes the hash file as input and performs encryption upon it. Remember, at the encryption step, the certificate will utilize the private key in the hardware token. In addition to it, your signature and timestamp will also get integrated into the encrypted hash file. As the final output, you will receive signed software ready to be installed on compatible platforms without showing the end user any installation-associated warning.
Common Use Cases of EV
Some common use cases for Extended Validation Code Signing Certificates are:
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SaaS Agencies
SaaS companies use EV code-signing certificates to secure downloadable agents and utilities as well as client applications.
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Enterprises Distributing to end users
Enterprises distributing software to end users that must be verified as a legitimate publisher in SmartScreen prompts and have protected private keys that are hardware-based for enterprise security review and SOC 2 audit purposes.
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Driver & Firmware Publishers
Driver developers and firmware developers use EV code-signing certificates because they are the only type of digital certificate that is accepted for kernel mode and user mode drivers on Windows 10/11 as well as for Driver submissions through the Windows Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL).
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DevOps & CI/CD teams
DevOps/CI/CD teams use Cloud-based EV Code Signing Certificates such as Azure Key Vault or Google Cloud to sign code within an automated build process so that DevOps' physical token does not need to be distributed to build machines.
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Windows Hardware Partners
Partners with Windows Hardware Development Center must have access to the Partner Center Portal to submit their drivers for WHQL testing and to distribute signed drivers through Windows Update.
Why SignMyCode.com to Buy Cheapest EV Code Signing?
The affordable price range with premium services is something SignMyCode.com believes in. You'll get the same EV Code Signing Certificate with the same features and benefits at a lower price than you can get from the website of respected Certificate Authorities like DigiCert, Sectigo and Comodo.
Nonetheless, for the software development company, trust indication is of utmost importance for the success of their software/application, and one way to achieve this is through Comodo/Sectigo/Certera or DigiCert EV Code Signing Certificate.
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Fast Validation Assistance
Dedicated experts help streamline the validation process.
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Competitive Pricing
Flexible solutions and pricing for Individuals, SMBs, and Enterprises.
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Technical Expertise
Guidance for installation, deployment, and code signing workflows.
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Dedicated Customer Support
Assistance throughout the certificate lifecycle
How to Get an EV Code Signing Certificate?
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Purchase EV Code Signing Certificate
Choose Certificate Duration and Delivery Mode and Place Order.
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Complete Enrolment Process
Provide Required Details to validates your organization identity using extended validation procedures.
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Certificate Issued
After Successful validation, CA issues your EV Digital Signing Cert Certificate stored on a FIPS 140-2 validated hardware token.
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Sign your Code
Activate your USB Token and Use tool such as signtool.exe to sign your code.
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Verify the Digital Signature
Validate your code signing cert and your signed code remains trusted permanently with a valid timestamp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is Extended Validation (EV) Code Signing Certificate Expensive?
Yes, compare to OV or Standard Code Signing, EV code signing certificate price is more due to higher level security and trust. However, you can purchase EV Code Signing Cert at most affordable price starting at $279.99 Per Year which is lowest price in Industry with Certera EV Code Signing.
How Can I Get a Free EV Code Signing Certificate?
No, it's not possible to get a free Extended Validation Code Signing Certs, and you'll require to purchase from the Code Signing Certificate providers. Certificate Authorities goes through an extreme process to get themselves recognized and approved by CA/Browser Forums and operating system like Microsoft Windows, which requires them to pay a hefty price, so it makes it impossible to provide it for free. Starts at $279.99
How Long Does It Take for an EV Code Signing Certificate to Be Issued?
You can expect this to be issued anywhere from 3 – 5 business days, depending on how fast your vetting process is completed.
Can I Cancel My Certificate?
Customer can cancel their purchase, it hasn't activated or issued yet, then you can it within 30 days from the date of the purchase. Order in Active status cannot cancel by vendor.
Is hardware protection required for Code Signing Certs?
Yes, all certificates all require hardware protection for their private keys as they must be created and stored on secure hardware as stipulated in the CA/Browser Forum's industry requirements. Effective June 1, 2023, use of secure hardware for both OV and EV Code Signing certificates private keys must comply with FIPS 140 Level 2, Common Criteria EAL 4+ or equivalent standards. A cryptographic USB token, Hardware Security Module ("HSM") or approved cloud-based HSM services can provide a secure solution.
What happens when an EV Software Certificate expires?
As long as the software was signed prior to the EV Code Signing certificate's expiration date and appropriately timestamped, it is still valid and trusted. However, any future updates or new version release of the same software must contain signatures generated from a newly-issued Code Signing certificate.
Can startups obtain EV Code Signing certificates?
Yes. Startups and new businesses can obtain an EV Code Signing certificate if they meet the legal requirements to exist and have successfully completed the necessary validation process.
How often should EV Code Signing certificates be renewed?
To maintain continuity of software signing operations, organizations should renew their EV Code Signing certificates before they expire. Presently, the longest period of validity for an EV Code Signing certificate is 459 days from its issue date.
How does Microsoft SmartScreen reputation work with OV and EV Code Signing certificates?
Microsoft SmartScreen generates reputation over time for both OV and EV certificates based on a variety of elements (e.g., historical clean downloads, volume of installs, trust signals from users). The display of the organization's verified publisher name in the SmartScreen warnings and prompts provides a greater trust signal than an OV Code signing cert will. Furthermore, Windows requires that Kernel Mode Drivers are signed with an EV Code Signing.
Newly issued applications signed with an EV code signing certificate currently do not receive immediate SmartScreen reputation. Starting in 2024 new SmartScreen reputations will be earned by software adoption and positive user interaction. In addition, if a renewed certificate is issued by the same organization, then SmartScreen reputation will typically be rebuilt at a much faster rate versus either a brand-new certificate or a certificate from a different CA.
Can individuals purchase an EV Code Signing certificate?
No. EV Code Signing certificates can only be issued to legally registered entities; for example, only businesses, government entities or other legally recognized entities may apply for these certificates. Individual developers do not have access to EV.
How long does Validation for EV Certificates take?
The length of time required to complete the EV Code Signing validation process varies between one to five business days depending on how quickly the company responds to verification requests and whether additional documentation is needed.
Do I need to revalidate my organization during renewal?
Typically, a certain degree of revalidation is necessary to verify that your organization information remains accurate and current. Revalidation requirements may differ by certificate authority, depending on whether your organization's information has changed in any way.
Can EV Code Signing certificates be used in automated CI/CD pipelines?
Yes, cloud-based EV Code Signing solutions which use hardware security modules (HSMs) allow integration of Extended Validation Code Signing into automated CI /CD pipelines without physically distributing tokens to build servers.
Is timestamping recommended when signing software?
Yes, it is highly recommended to include a timestamp when signing your software to maintain trust in the software after the certificate expires.
What information appears to users when software is signed with an EV Code Signing certificate?
When software is signed with an Extended Validation Code Signing Certificate, Users will typically see the name of the issuer organization appearing in the signature details as verified by the CA, helping to establish trust and verify authenticity of the product being run.
Can I transfer my certificate to another organization?
No, EV Code Signing Certificates are issued only for a specific legally validated company; therefore, they cannot be transferred to another organization or company. A separate organization would have to undergo their own validation procedure to acquire a certificate.
What happens if my EV Code Signing token is lost or damaged?
If the hard token is lost, stolen or damaged, you should revoke the certificate immediately and request a re-issued certificate. Depending upon your Certificate Authority (CA), you may need to go through additional validation processes.
Does changing the Certificate Authority affect SmartScreen reputation?
SmartScreen is affected by Certificate Authorities switching due to the fact that SmartScreen reputation ties into publisher identity and their signing history. As a result, businesses that renew with the same CA will often build their SmartScreen reputations back up more quickly.
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I am very grateful to Sienna for helping with my request. She was understanding, responsive, and helpful throughout the process. In addition to Sienna, most of the customer support representatives I interacted with like Finn, Daniel were attentive, and very helpful. Their support made the experience smooth and pleasant.
Great customer service! Daniel was very helpful throughout the OV validation process, providing clear guidance on each step including D-U-N-S registration and Sectigo verification requirements. Highly recommended for first-time certificate buyers.
I finally got around to installing the new Sectigo EV cert token this afternoon. Everything worked the first time with no fuss. The documentation was spot on, the tools just worked, and Visual Studio saw the certificate immediately. Building, publishing and installing it was just as seamless.
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