How to Sign an Executable Files Using EV Code Signing Certificate?

According to the latest industry regulations and policies, digitally signing executable files is mandatory for developers and organizations. It helps enterprises and users to provide and utilize authentic software.

In addition, the majority of organizations prefer to utilize EV Code Signing Certificates for such purposes to prevent Warning messages during installation.

Moreover, using an EV Code Signing Certificate to sign executable files is an intense task. Therefore, you can use the following methods to complete the operation impeccably.

Let’s move further to get an answer for “How to sign an executable file.”

Understanding Executable Files

Executable Files are computer programs an end-user runs on the system for a particular operation. Different processes can be installing software, updating a driver, or executing a programming and scripting language script.

You must have seen files with different extensions on a computer system. Among them, files with. EXE, .BIN, .BAT, .DMG, .APP and . COM are the executable files.

The operating system checks its Code Signing Certificate whenever any executable gets opened. If the executable file successfully undergoes the Validation, it gets executed. Otherwise, an Unknown Publisher Warning is displayed on the screen.

Therefore, whenever any developer or organization creates an application, they digitally sign their code using a Code Signing Certificate. Moreover, due to its enormous security features, an EV Code Signing Certificate is used to optimize the code’s authenticity.

Mechanisms to Digitally Signing Exe Files: Answer to How to Sign an EXE file

To ensure an impeccable experience for all your users, you must integrate an EV Code Signing Certificate with your code. Moreover, it will also help to prevent Defender SmartScreen Warnings.

However, before signing the code, you must check the following requirements:

• You have completed the Validation Procedure
• You have your Microsoft Authenticode Code Signing Certificate
• You are using a minimum of Windows Operating System version 7
• You have the Code Signing Certificate available on your system

Once you verify all the details, you can follow the below method to enhance user satisfaction and trust:

Utilizing a Secure Token

In this method, you must install a secure token, its driver, and associated hardware on your machine. In addition, you will also need to save the EV Code Signing Certificate on FIPS 140-2 Level 2 Token and install it.

Further, you must select whether you want to sign executable files through automatic or manual procedures.

In the Automatic Procedure, you have to perform the following steps.

Step 1: Go to the startup menu and run the Command Prompt.

Step 2: If you want to sign code using SHA 256-Bit encryption, run the below command, defining the path to the file you want to sign.

signtool sign /tr http://timestamp.certificate-authority-name.com /td sha256 /fd sha256 /a
"c: \path\to\file_for_signing.exe"

Step 3: To utilize the SHA1 Code Signing Certificate, you must run the command.

signtool sign /t http://timestamp.certificate-authority-name.com /a "c: \path\to\file_for_signing.exe"

Further, if you need to utilize the Manual Method, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Copy the Name of your Code Signing Certificate by opening the Certificate Manager. Go to the Startup menu, search for certmgr, and run it.

Step 2: Under the Personal Folder on Left Panel, Open the Certificates, and you will find all Certificates on the local machine.

Step 3: Use the following command to Sign the code with 256-Bit SHA Encryption.

signtool sign /tr http://timestamp.certificate-authority-name.com /td sha256 /fd sha256 /n "subject name"  
"C:\path\to\fileForSign.exe"

Moreover, you have to define the subject name and path of the file to secure it on your own.

Step 4: To use the SHA1 Encryption Certificate, you can run the below command.

signtool sign /t http://timestamp.certificate-authority-name.com /n "subject name" "C:\path\to\fileForSign.exe"

Why you should Sign Executable Files?

Signing Executable Files provides immense advantages, such as:

• It makes the code authentic and improves its integrity.
• It prevents users from receiving Unknown Publisher Warning or Defender SmartScreen messages.
• Enhances the user’s trust in the organization.
• It makes the code tamper-proof and prevents hackers and crackers from performing malicious activities.
• Enhances company revenue, as more users prefer to utilize reliable software.
• Enable stakeholders to run the software and integrate it with other systems effortlessly.

Concluding Up:

With the rapid release of multiple executable files, it is mandatory to sign them digitally. It helps to prevent code tampering and optimize the organization’s reputation and revenue. An EV Code Signing Certificate is a high-level Certificate that experts consider to provide an effortless experience to end-users.

Furthermore, signing an executable file with an EV Code Signing Certificate is a high-priority task, requiring complete focus. However, there are various methods to follow to complete it accurately. You can use an external hardware token or run quick commands using the Command Prompt on the Windows system.

As a result, you can provide a secure executable file to your stakeholders.

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