Basic Overview of Code Signing
Code signing certificates are used to digitally sign executables and scripts to confirm the software author and guarantee that the code has not been changed or corrupted since it was signed. The certificate verifies the identity of the publisher and provides a level of trust for the end-user. Code signing utilizes public key cryptography to validate the digital signature attached to the software. With the best code signing certificate providers, you can ensure the integrity and authenticity of your software and boost end-user trust.
There are different types of code signing certificates based on the level of validation: including basic, advanced, and extended validation. EV code signing certificate provides the highest level of trust and assurance about the publisher’s identity. Overall, properly signed code improves end-user confidence in software and complies with operating system requirements for driver and software installation.
Key Statistics of Code Signing Certificates
- The global code signing certificate market reached about USD 1.27 billion in 2024, underscoring strong demand for tamper-proof software distribution across industries.
- The code signing certificate management segment alone was valued at USD 1.2 billion in 2024 and is forecast to hit USD 3.6 billion by 2033, growing at a 12.8% CAGR, signaling increasing enterprise spend on scalable signing workflows.
- North America currently holds the largest share of global revenue in code signing certificate management, driven by mature IT infrastructure and stringent cybersecurity regulations in sectors like BFSI, healthcare, and government.
- The Asia–Pacific region is the fastest‑growing market for code signing certificate management, projected to grow at a 16.2% CAGR through 2033, fueled by rapid digitalization and IoT expansion.
- Growing regulatory frameworks such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS are explicitly cited as key drivers forcing organizations to adopt robust code signing practices to avoid financial and reputational penalties.
- Industries such as BFSI, healthcare, government, IT and telecom are identified as the major adopters of code signing certificates because of their elevated requirements for data integrity and compliance.
- The broader certificate authority (CA) market that underpins code signing is expected to grow from about USD 173.1 million in 2023 to USD 401.4 million by 2030 at a 13.1% CAGR, indicating rising reliance on CA‑issued digital certificates.
- Within the CA market, certificate types (including code signing, SSL/TLS and others) accounted for 62% of global revenue in 2023, highlighting certificates themselves as the primary value driver over services.
- Large enterprises represented approximately 74.7% of CA market revenue in 2023, showing that bigger organizations are leading adoption of managed PKI and code signing at scale.
- North America captured about 33.7% of CA market revenue in 2023 and is projected to grow at the fastest regional CAGR, reflecting a strong focus on digital trust and cyber‑risk mitigation.
- Separate market analysis projects the global CA market to grow from USD 167 million in 2023 to USD 282 million by 2028 at an 11% CAGR, reinforcing sustained investment in certificate‑based security, including code signing.
- Another forecast estimates the CA market at USD 181.51 million in 2023, expected to grow to USD 485.13 million by 2032 at roughly an 11.3% CAGR, underlining multi‑year momentum behind certificate usage.
- Research highlights increasing cyberattacks and data breaches as a primary factor pushing businesses and governments to expand their use of certificates and code signing as a core layer of defense.
- The digital signature market, closely related to code signing technologies, is projected to surge from USD 9.94 billion in 2024 to USD 70.25 billion by 2030 at a 38.5% CAGR, reflecting a broader move to cryptographic verification of digital assets.
- Security experts note that since June 2023, private keys for code signing certificates must be stored in secure hardware (HSM or equivalent) for many ecosystems, raising the bar on trust and compliance for signed software.
- Industry commentary links the 11.4%+ CAGR of the CA market through 2032 with “increasing adoption of code signing practices across the software industry,” tying market growth directly to software integrity needs.
- Reports emphasize that digital transformation initiatives across sectors are “compelling organizations to invest” in code signing certificate management platforms to maintain software authenticity at scale.
- Analysts identify interoperability issues, vendor lock‑in and integration with legacy systems as key challenges in code signing certificate management, creating demand for easier‑to‑use, automated solutions that marketing and product teams can position as pain‑relievers.
- Shortages of skilled cybersecurity professionals are cited as another barrier, encouraging enterprises to adopt managed code signing and certificate management services, a positioning angle for solution providers targeting over‑stretched security teams.
Why Choose Code Signing Certificates?
Here are some of the top reasons why code signing is important for software developers and publishers:
- Authenticates Identity: Confirms the identity of the software publisher or developer, which builds trust.
- Integrity Protection: Ensures code has not been altered or corrupted since it was signed.
- Malware Protection: Signed code is less likely to contain malware or viruses.
- Compliance: Meets requirements of OS vendors and industry standards.
- Smooth Installation: Enables seamless software installation without security warnings.
- Competitive Edge: Gives a credibility advantage over unsigned software.
- Legal Protection: Helps assert ownership of software for legal protection.
Choosing the best code signing certificate providers ensures that you’re getting a reliable, widely recognized certificate that offers these benefits effectively. As the digital landscape evolves, the importance of code signing certificates in maintaining software integrity and user trust only continues to grow.
Top Choices of Code Signing Certificates (Based on Security, Trust, Compatibility, and Price)
Here are the top 6 code signing certificate providers highly regarded for their reputation, warranties, compatibility, and overall trustworthiness within the software ecosystem:
- SSL.com Code Signing Certificate
- DigiCert Code Signing Certificate
- Sectigo Code Signing Certificate
- Comodo Code Signing Certificate
- Thawte Code Signing Certificate
- GlobalSign Code Signing Certificate
SSL.com Code Signing Certificate
- Excellent balance of security, affordability, and comprehensive support.
- Features: EV and OV options, SmartScreen compatibility, multi-platform support (Microsoft Authenticode, Java, Adobe), easy dashboard management, strong customer service, and straightforward pricing.
- Best for: Startups, independent developers, and growing businesses seeking robust trust at low cost.
- Price: Starts at $64.50/year.
DigiCert Code Signing Certificate
- Premier global provider offering high-assurance certificates and enterprise-grade security.
- Features: Swift issuance, malware scanning, timestamping, user-friendly management, wide compatibility (Microsoft, Java, Apple, Adobe AIR), advanced PKI infrastructure, and broad industry recognition.
- Best for: Enterprises, critical software vendors requiring maximum trust and full compatibility.
- Price: Starts at ~$699/year for EV certificates.
Sectigo Code Signing Certificate
- Affordable and widely trusted with strong reputation.
- Features: OV/EV certificates, strong encryption, broad platform support, lifecycle management portal, value-added features (malware scanning), industry compliance.
- Best for: SMEs, open-source teams, and developers needing both low price and good trust.
- Price: Starts at ~$220/year.
Comodo Code Signing Certificate
- Affordable and Trusted choice for developers and organizations alike.
- Features: Strong 3072/4096-bit encryption, supports both Organization Validation (OV) and Extended Validation (EV), FIPS 140-2 Level compliance, unlimited software and file signing, broad platform compatibility (Microsoft Authenticode, Java, Adobe AIR, Microsoft VBA), SHA-2 hashing, unlimited timestamping, and key storage via USB token or HSM.
- Benefits: Eliminates “Unknown Publisher” warnings (EV), guarantees software integrity, supports multi-year subscription, easy renewal process, trusted globally, and excellent affordability for individuals and companies.
- Best for: Individuals, small businesses, open source teams, and enterprises needing both cost efficiency and high trust reputation across platforms.
- Price: Starts at ~$220/year for OV, higher for EV; multi-year discounts often available.
Thawte Code Signing Certificate
- Long-standing provider (part of DigiCert) with strong reputation.
- Features: EV/OV support, built-in malware scanning, broad compatibility, 24/7 support, easy management.
- Best for: Developers focused on brand reputation and global validation.
- Price: Not the cheapest but offers high value for security and trust.
Globalsign Code Signing Certificate
- Ideal for scaling businesses, from indie apps to large enterprises.
- Features: EV/OV, robust dashboard, excellent scalability, multi-year options, and IDE/build tool integrations.
- Best for: Businesses needing hassle-free management and advanced platform support.
- Price: Generally higher, suitable for those prioritizing feature-rich solutions.
Image source: globalsign.com
Top Code Signing Certificate Comparison Table
| Features | Comodo Code Signing | Sectigo Code Signing | SSL.com Code Signing | DigiCert Code Signing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lowest Price | $219.45 | $219.45 | $64.50 | $409.02 |
| Certificate Authority | Comodo | Sectigo | SSL.com | DigiCert |
| Validation Type | Organization Validation | Organization Validation | Organization Validation | Organization Validation |
| Key Storage | USB token or HSM | USB token or HSM | USB token or HSM | USB token or HSM |
| Delivery Method | Vendor provided hardware token, existing HSM | Vendor provided hardware token, existing HSM | Vendor provided hardware token | Vendor provided hardware token, HSM, Cloud HSM |
| Issuance Time | 5 to 7 Days | 5 to 7 Days | 1 to 3 Days | 5 to 7 Days |
| Supported Key Type(s) | RSA, ECC | RSA, ECC | RSA | RSA, ECC |
| Supported Key Length(s) | 3072-bit or 4096-bit | 3072-bit or 4096-bit | 2048-bit, 3072-bit | 3072-bit or 4096-bit |
| Hash Algorithm | SHA-2, up to 256-bit | SHA-2, up to 256-bit | SHA-2, up to 256-bit | SHA-2, up to 256-bit |
| Software Signing | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Certificate Reissuance | Unlimited (excluding token) | Unlimited (excluding token) | Unlimited (excluding token) | Unlimited (excluding token) |
| Hardware Certification | FIPS-140-L2 | FIPS-140-L2 | FIPS-140-L2 | FIPS-140-L2 |
| Includes | Publisher identity verified; organization name | Publisher identity verified; organization name | Publisher identity verified; organization name | Publisher identity verified; organization name |
| TimeStamp | Compatible | Compatible | Compatible | Compatible |
| Instant Reputation w/ MS SmartScreen | No | No | No | No |
| Supported Platforms | Java, MS Office Document, Adobe Air, Microsoft Authenticode, MS VBA | MS Office Document, Java, Adobe Air, Microsoft Authenticode, MS VBA | Windows, Microsoft Authenticode | Java, MS Office Document, Adobe Air, Microsoft Authenticode, MS VBA |
| Refund Policy | 30 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days |
Things to Know Before Choosing a Code Signing Certificate Provider
When comparing and selecting a code signing certificate provider, keep these key tips in mind:
- Validation Levels: Choose OV or EV level validation based on your identity proofing needs. EV provides the highest assurance.
- Compatibility: Ensure the certificate works across your required platforms like Microsoft Authenticode, Java, Apple, etc.
- Security Standards: Verify the provider adheres to industry best practices and data security controls.
- Lifespan: Choose certificate validity between 1-3 years based on your signing frequency.
- Pricing: Compare costs across providers based on your budget and validation level needs.
- Customer Support: Pick a provider with robust customer support channels to assist you.
Final Thoughts
Code signing certificates are essential for software publishers and developers to authenticate identity, maintain integrity, demonstrate security compliance, and gain end-user trust. The best code signing certificate providers offer a range of options to suit different needs and budgets. Choosing the right code signing certificate provider is key, based on factors like validation levels, HSMs, pricing, compatibility, and customer support.
Leading providers like DigiCert, Sectigo, Comodo, Thawte, and SSL.com are considered the top code signing authorities thanks to their stringent identity vetting, robust PKI infrastructure, and trusted root certificates. By comparing providers across these key aspects, you can make the ideal choice for your code signing needs and boost confidence in your software.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are code signing certificates important?
Code signing certificates are important for digitally signing software and scripts to authenticate the publisher, prove integrity, show security compliance, and improve end-user trust. Signed code gives publishers a credibility advantage.
What are the different types of code signing certificates?
The main types are Basic, Organization Validation (OV), and Extended Validation (EV). OV and EV provide robust identity verification, while EV offers the highest level of assurance.
What is an Extended Validation (EV) code signing certificate?
EV code signing certificates involve stringent verification steps to validate the legal identity of the organization. They provide the maximum trust and confidence about the publisher’s identity.
How can I choose the best code signing certificate provider?
When comparing providers, consider factors like compatibility, validation levels, warranties, security standards, pricing, and customer support to find the ideal one for your needs.
Which code signing certificate provider is the most trusted?
Leading providers like DigiCert, Sectigo, Comodo, Thawte, and SSL.com are among the most trusted code-signing authorities based on reputation, assurances, and root certificate status.
What is the cost of a code signing certificate?
Pricing varies by provider and validation level, usually from $250-$500/year for OV and $300-$700/year for EV code signing certificates. Shop for promotions.
How long does a code signing certificate last?
Code signing certificates usually last 1-3 years, depending on the provider. This lifespan allows publishers to sign code regularly before renewal is required.
Code Signing Key Statistics References:
- https://dataintelo.com/report/code-signing-certificate-market
- https://researchintelo.com/report/code-signing-certificate-management-market
- https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/certificate-authority-market-report
- https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/certificate-authority-market.asp
- https://straitsresearch.com/report/certificate-authority-market
- https://www.encryptionconsulting.com/decrypting-the-code-signing-trends-of-2025/
Priya Mervana
Verified Web Security Experts
Priya Mervana is working at SSLInsights.com as a web security expert with over 10 years of experience writing about encryption, SSL certificates, and online privacy. She aims to make complex security topics easily understandable for everyday internet users.
