Windows PowerShell Code Signing Certificate

PowerShell is an all-in-one platform-independent solution used to automate system operations. It leverages you with a command-line interface to interact with the system, a scripting language to develop effort-reducing logic, and a management framework.

PowerShell leads to streamlining repetitive tasks and saves time across Windows, macOS, and Linux-based machines.


Product Name	Certera Code Signing	Certera EV Code Signing	Sectigo Code SigningFormerly Comodo	Sectigo EV Code SigningFormerly Comodo	DigiCert Code Signing
	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now
RSA Encryption Key	3072-bit or 4096-bit	3072-bit or 4096-bit	3072-bit or 4096-bit	3072-bit or 4096-bit	3072-bit or 4096-bit
Microsoft SmartScreen Reputation Boost Up
Issuance for Individual Developers
Universal Platform Compatibility
Supported File Formats	32-Bit And 64-Bit	32-Bit And 64-Bit	32-Bit And 64-Bit	32-Bit And 64-Bit	32-Bit And 64-Bit
Issuance Time	1 to 5 Days	1 to 5 Days	1 to 5 Days	1 to 5 Days	1 to 5 Days
Validation Required	Business/Individual	Full Business Validation	Business/Individual	Full Business Validation	Business
Physical USB Token Storage
Displays Business Name
Display Name & Types of the Business
Sign Unlimited Code, Scripts & Executables
Separate Private Key Storage
	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now

Things To Know Before You Sign the PowerShell Script

Whether you are Signing PowerShell Script for the first time or the hundredth time, you must understand the following primary aspects. As a result, loopholes will get prevented, and your script will run in a secure environment.

The Latest PowerShell Update

Before you create and sign the script, you must ensure that your system has the latest version of PowerShell. It will help you to prevent cyber-attacks, exploit the loopholes in the unpatched versions, and write a script in a more secure environment.
Usage of Trusted Code Signing Certificate

Always prefer Code Signing Certificate from a trustworthy Certificate Authority, such as Certera, Sectigo, DigiCert and Comodo, to ensure smooth execution. In addition, the system will recognize your PowerShell script as legitimate and run it without showing an Unknown Publisher Warning. Thus, the end-user will receive a top-rate experience.
Script Analysis Before Signing

Sign PowerShell scripts only after verifying their functionality with the development objectives. Moreover, only authorized persons must access the script and make relevant alterations if required. It will aid you in guaranteeing a reliable script, not providing any harm to the end-user's system.
Hardware Security Utilization

Solidify the security of cryptographic keys to ensure that only an authorized person can alter and sign the script. Utilize a Hardware Security Module (HSM) validated by the FIPS. Besides, you can use an EV Code Signing Certificate, providing a private key in a hardware token by default.
Utilize Different Keys

Don't use the same keys for every PowerShell script; if any key gets breached, you have to sign all the scripts again. In addition, create a policy to utilize a single key for a specific number of software to prevent significant productivity, revenue, and reputation loss.
Prefer The Latest Algorithm

Before signing the PowerShell script, verify the hashing and encryption algorithm used by the Code Signing Certificate. You should use the certificate leveraging with 2048-bit or higher encryption standards. As its outcome, the script's integrity, confidentiality, and availability will get maintained.

Starting June 1, 2023, code signing certificate keys must be stored on a hardware security module or token that’s certified as FIPS 140 Level 2, Common Criteria EAL 4+, or equivalent.

Why do you need to Digitally Sign a PS1 (PowerShell Script)?

Digitally signing a PowerShell Script leverages the developer to bind its identity with it, helping to increase brand awareness. In addition, when you sign a PS1 file, its source code undergoes hashing and encryption, converting it to an unreadable format. Therefore, cyber-attackers will get restricted from reading and tamper the code.

Furthermore, most of the users enable the AllSigned Policy on their system. Hence, the device only runs the scripts signed by the publisher. And by signing a PS1 file, you comply with the policy, leading to executing the program seamlessly.

Mechanism To Create and Run PowerShell Scripts on Windows 10

To create a PowerShell script, Windows provide you with three alternatives. The first is to use Visual Studio Code IDE by installing the PowerShell extension. The second mechanism is to use notepad, and the third method is to use Windows PowerShell ISE.

You can use any method among the mentioned three and have to save the file with the .ps1 extension.

Further, to run the PowerShell script on Windows 10, you need to modify its execution policy. Open the PowerShell Console with administrator controls, change the policy to RemoteSigned and then provide the path to the script. Following it, the system will start running your script.

What are the PowerShell Execution Policies in Windows 10?

Restricted Policy – It doesn't allow any script to run.
RemoteSigned Policy – Allows scripts developed on the same system and scripts with the publisher’s signature to run.
AllSigned Policy – Runs every script if it successfully authorizes the publisher through its sign.
Unrestricted Policy – Allows to run any script, with and without the publisher's signature.

How do I Find the Execution Policy in Your PowerShell?

To find the execution policy running on your machine, you must execute the steps below.

Step 1: Search for PowerShell and run it as administrator by right-clicking on it and selecting run as administrator.

Step 2: Execute the command Get-ExecutionPolicy. It will display the current PowerShell policy.

PowerShell

PS> Get-ExecutionPolicy -List

Scope ExecutionPolicy

MachinePolicyUndefined

UserPolicyUndefined

ProcessUndefined

CurrentUserAllSigned

LocalMachineRemoteSigned

PS> Get-ExecutionPolicy

AllSigned

Verify Signature After Using the Microsoft Authenticode Signing Certificate

After signing the PowerShell script, you must always verify whether the procedure gets completed.
And for it, you can use any of the following three methods.

Checking by Opening the Script

Open the PS1 file using any text editor. Scroll down to the end of the code. If you find an unreadable text between # SIG # Begin signature block and # SIG # End signature block, then your script has the publisher’s signature.

Verify Through Script File Properties

Step 1: Right-click on the PowerShell script file, and a menu will get displayed. Select the Properties option from the list.

Step 2: Select the Digital Signatures Tab from the Properties window. A list of signatures will get displayed.

Step 3: Find the recent signature details in the list.

Running the command in PowerShell

Execute the following command in PowerShell with administrator control to verify the digital signature.

Get-AuthenticodeSignature -FilePath C:\\ATA\\myscript.ps1 | Select-Object -Property *

Further, replace C:\\ATA\\myscript.ps1 with the path to your PS1 file.

How to Fix the “not digitally signed error”?

When you try to verify the digital sign through PowerShell, you can see not a digitally signed error. However, you can sign your script, but still, the system can display such an error. Therefore, you can execute any of the following procedures to resolve it.

Modify the PowerShell Execution Policy

Step 1: Open the PowerShell with administrator controls and run Get-ExecutionPolicy to know the current policy.

Step 2: Change the policy to Unrestricted by executing Set-ExecutionPolicy unrestricted command.

Bypass the Current PowerShell Session

Run the Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope Process -ExecutionPolicy Bypass command to bypass the current session. After it, rerun the verification command.

Unblocking the Downloaded File

Execute the Unblock-File -Path C:\Download\powershell.ps1 to unblock the file. Replace C:\Download\powershell.ps1 with the path to your PowerShell script file.

Best Place to Buy Code Signing Certificate

To secure your PowerShell Scripts, you can rely on SignMyCode, as it offers A-grade digital certificates. You can purchase top-notch Code Signing Certificates directly from Certificate Authorities through SignMyCode. Also, heavy discounts are always available for every customer due to the certified partnership. Cheapest Code Signing Certificate price starts at $199.99 Per year.

And with its Extended Validation Code Signing Certificate, you can benefit from the following:

Zero Unknown Publisher and Defender SmartScreen Warnings.
No File Blockage after the Download
Instant recognition across all major platforms
Enhancement in brand reputation and user-experience
Hardware Token for solid Private Key security.

Buy Code Signing Certificate

Comparison Between Standard Vs EV Code Signing

Organization Validated Code Signing	VS	Extended Validation Code Signing
Buy Now		Buy Now
Standard verification of applicant's identity and authorization.	Validation Process	Rigorous validation of applicant's identity, authority, and operational existence.
Organic SmartScreen Reputation	MS SmartScreen	Instant SmartScreen Reputation
Helps protect against malware and tampering by verifying the authenticity and integrity of code.	Protection against Malware	Provides enhanced protection against malware and tampering through rigorous validation and verification processes.
Only older Windows 10 drivers are included	Microsoft Windows Compatibility	Accessible to kernel-mode drivers and Windows 10+ drivers
Provides a basic level of trust to users.	Level of Trust	Offers a higher level of trust and confidence to users.
Photo ID and a phone number are required for individual developers. And for Organizations, Business registration information and a public phone number	Paperwork Required	Business registration information includes the actual office address, years of operation, and a public phone number.
Starting with $210.99/Year	Pricing	Starting with $274.99/Year
Buy Now		Buy Now

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REVIEWS Real customer ratings and reviews at

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I purchased a code signing certificate from SignMyCode. Then realized that I needed an EV certificate. Customer support was extremely quick and service-minded, and I could easily upgrade.

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I purchased a code signing certificate as a beginner and have got helpful customer support to go through the necessary process and use it for my product.

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