If you are in the software business, then choosing an appropriate code signing certificate is one of the most critical tasks you need to do.
In case you are the developer or distributor of any kind of software, validating its code with a code signing certificate is your responsibility.
I hope you know “what is code signing?” So, now your priority will be choosing a code signing software for your business.
There are some important key factors that you have to consider while choosing a code signing certificate.
5 Important Things To Consider While Choosing A Code Signing Certificate
As I have mentioned earlier, while you are looking for an appropriate code signing software, you should consider some important things.
Here, I will discuss those vital things of a code signing certificate.
In case you are planning to get into cyber security with no experience, you also can get some idea about choosing a code signing certificate from now on.
Trustworthiness
Whenever you put your money in anything related to cyber security, trust is one of the most crucial things that you always need to remember.
So whichever certificate you are opting for, just make sure that it is trusted across the globe.
This will give your customer a peach of mind when they install your software.
There are a number of reputed names in the cybersecurity space, such as VeriSign, Thawte, Comodo, and many more. So, you need to make sure that you are choosing a truncated one.
Timestamping
All code signing certificates always have a validity period of one to three years. Once the validity period is over, the certificate will become invalid.
That means you will not be able to use it to sign your codes, and those already signed with it will no longer be protected.
The timestamping features will ensure that your codes will stay protected even after the validity period is over.
This way, at the time of signing the code, a third party or the Operating System can verify whether the certificate is valid or not.
Value For Money
You have to remember all the key things that I am mentioning here. At the same time, you also need to be a little cautious about your budget.
You will find different companies offering the same code signing certificate but with different price tags.
In addition to that, there are also some resellers of those companies, who are offering the same products at another price range.
So, you need to make sure that you choose one worth the amount you are spending on it.
Unlimited Signing
There are some CAs that impose limits on how many numbers of executable files or codes can be signed with code signing certificates by them.
When you plan to update your software, this very limitation can be a serious concern.
It will also be a major problem in case your primary business is all about software and you sell various types of programs.
So before putting your money in, make sure that you are choosing a code signing certificate that offers unlimited numbers of codes.
Participation In The Trusted Root Certificate Program
You have to make sure that the CA that is going to issue the code signing certificate for you is supported by Windows.
Microsoft has already been authorized a number of CAs under Microsoft’s Trusted Root Certificate program for ensuring the best security standards.
All the CAs under this program that are issuing code signing certificates must follow the specific security standard set by Microsoft. You might face some issues if your CA is not a part of this particular program.
Final Verdict
Always keep in mind that choosing a code signing certificate is a bit complex. So, do not forget to check all the crucial things that I have discussed above.
If you still have any doubts or queries, you can share that with us. I hope our readers will love to read it as well.
