How to Renew Your Code Signing Certificate [A Step-by-Step Guide]

Code signing certificates, just like other SSL certificates, expire after a specific time. However, it is not the end! You can reuse them after renewing the code signing certificates. To renew a code signing certificate, go to the CA website.

Access to almost every online facility is heavily controlled by software or an app. Moreover, the PC on which you might be reading this also has an app, a driver, and a code that makes it possible. No matter what it is, each of them has a validity period.

Now, if you are a software developer or a development firm, you must use a code signing certificate. If you are a newbie to software development and code signing, you need to know that a code signing certificate has an expiration date.

After that, it will not be valid, and if your software isn’t timestamped, your customers who might install the app will face the warning.

The generation of this error can impact your business in the wrong way. Hence, it is necessary to renew the code signing certificate before it expires.

So, what are its technicalities, and how do you renew a code signing certificate? Let’s read ahead and find out!

A brief-up on the need for code signing, why you should renew it on time, and why you should care.

Do Code Signing Certificates Expire?

Yes, the code signing certificates do expire. The code signing certificate validity period is usually 1-3 years, based on the cycle you choose while purchasing them. However, there is a catch here!

Even if your code signing certificate expires, your software can still be considered valid for an extended period of time. How? With timestamping!

It’s great if you know what timestamping is, but if you don’t, here is the definition!

You can use the private key to timestamp the software when signing the software with your code signing certificate. It is an optional signing process where you put the date and time of signing the code with the code signing certificate.

This feature keeps your software from being tagged by an unknown publisher.

Though renewing your code signing certificate is crucial, this optional feature keeps your customer base intact while dealing with other issues, like revoking the certificate.

Why Is Renewing a Code Signing Certificate Necessary?

Well, if you are not convinced yet, here are some solid reasons to renew your code signing certificate!

1. It protects your brand reputation

One key reason to renew code signing certificates before expiration is reputation. If you have opted for an EV code signing and it is valid, it boosts your reputation for Microsoft SmartScreen.

If your certificate is invalid, Microsoft SmartScreen will not consider it trusted and will raise a warning message.

On an overall basis, the reputation of your brand automatically declines if multiple user computers and browsers do not trust your software code.

2. Saves your revenue numbers

It is evident that if your users face errors during installation, your business will be negatively rated. As more users see the reviews, they will avoid choosing your software.

This will directly affect your business revenue. Therefore, keeping the code signing certificate updated and renewed is necessary.

3. Saves your revenue numbers

It is pretty evident that if your users are facing errors during installation, your business will be negatively rated. As more users see the reviews, they will avoid choosing your software.

This will directly affect your business revenue. Therefore, keeping the code signing certificate updated and renewed is necessary.

How to Renew Your Code Signing Certificate?

Well, let’s deal with the most expensive question: how to renew a code signing certificate. The process of renewing the code signing certificate is not an uphill battle. Here are the simple steps to renew a code signing certificate!

Moreover, if you renew the certificate after it expires, you must go through the entire validation or vetting process again. It will consume time, and you won’t be able to distribute your software.

Step 1: Start by selecting the product you want to renew. Once you have chosen your desired product, select a delivery method. Then, locate the “Renew Now” option and click on it.

There are three options available for token shipping:
Token+Shipping: This option includes both a physical token and shipping services.
Use Existing Token: If you already have a token, you can choose this option and proceed without shipping.
Install on Your HSM: If you have a Hardware Security Module (HSM), you can select this option to install the product.

Step 2: Once you have chosen your preferred delivery method, place your order by clicking the Renew Now button. Make sure to provide all the necessary details and follow the instructions provided.

Step 3: After placing your order, you must complete the enrollment process based on the selected delivery mode. You must submit basic organization details or individual identity for standard (token + shipping method) CSR and attestation. If you already have a hardware token, then!

Step 4: After you have completed the enrollment process, the Certification Authority (CA) will verify your documents. Also, initiate the certificate issuance process based on your selected delivery mode. Please note that the processing time may vary depending on the chosen mode.

Ensure to review each step carefully. We guarantee that we will provide accurate information to renew your product successfully. Finally, receive the certificate as per your chosen delivery mode.

Conclusion

So, in the end, it is safe to say that using a code signing certificate is not enough; you need to renew them, too, periodically. However, ensure you renew them enough time before the expiry date.

On top of that, also ensure that you timestamp your software codes to keep them valid even if your code signing certificate expires.

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