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 Takeaways
- Code signing certificates authenticate the publisher’s identity and verify that the code has not been altered or corrupted since signing.
- Choosing the right code signing certificate provider is crucial for building end-user trust in your software.
- The top code signing providers include DigiCert, Sectigo, Comodo, Thawte, and SSL.com due to their reputation, warranties, customer support and range of code signing certificates.
- Factors like price, validation levels, compatibility, warranties, and customer support should be evaluated when comparing providers.
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.
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.
