Quick Summary
A Sectigo Code Signing Certificate allows software publishers to digitally sign their code, confirming origin and guaranteeing authenticity. This prevents malicious tampering, impersonation, and warning dialogs, with both OV and EV options to meet rigorous security needs.
What Is a Sectigo Code Signing Certificate?
A Sectigo Code Signing Certificate is a digital certificate that allows organizations or individuals to sign their software, scripts, and executables. The digital signature proves the origin of the software and verifies that it has not been altered since signing. Users can view the publisher information, and updated timestamping ensures signatures remain valid even after certificate expiry.
Key Benefits of Sectigo Code Signing Certificates
- Software Integrity: Embeds a cryptographic signature that alerts users if the code is modified after signing.
- Trust Indicators: Displays the publisher’s verified identity, reducing browser and antivirus warnings.
- Microsoft SmartScreen Reputation: Especially with EV certificates, your software bypasses some SmartScreen filter warnings.
- Private Key Security: For EV certificates, Sectigo stores the private key on a hardware token mailed physically to ensure maximum security.
- Unlimited Signing and Timestamping: Sign unlimited files, and timestamps preserve the validity of signatures over time.
- Platform Compatibility: Compatible with major operating systems, desktop platforms, and drivers.
Validation Requirements
- Business validation: Organization registration, local address and identity verification, and phone verification are required to issue certificates.
- EV (Extended Validation): Includes an additional company vetting process and requires shipping of a USB hardware token containing the private key.
How to Get Sectigo Code Signing Certificate
- Purchase and Request: Apply for the certificate on Sectigo’s site or a trusted reseller, submitting a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) with your organization details.
- Validation: Complete the required organization verification steps as outlined above.
- Issuance: For EV, the private key arrives by secure courier on a hardware token; for OV, it’s issued digitally.
Who Is the Best Provider of Sectigo Code Signing Certificate
The best provider for Sectigo Code Signing Certificates in 2025 is generally determined by price, reliability, support, and turnaround time. Reputable third-party resellers consistently offer the best combination of discounted pricing and responsive support compared to buying directly from Sectigo.
Top Sectigo Code Signing Certificate Providers
- SectigoStore: Frequently recommended for competitive pricing (starting at ~$220/year for OV and ~$290/year for EV), fast issuance, and a user-centric support experience, including a 30-day refund policy.
- TheSSLStore: Trusted for established reseller experience, they offer OV certificates at ~$288/year and EV at ~$380/year, with a seasoned reputation for hassle-free purchases and strong after-sales support.
- SSL2Buy: Reliable for price transparency, offering OV at around $322/year and EV at $423/year, with global support.
- Codesigningstore: Recognized for good discounts below Sectigo’s direct website pricing, quick fulfillment, and full refund policy. User reviews rate its support as fast and effective with a high satisfaction rate among developers.
- Direct from Sectigo: Buying directly guarantees authenticity, but it’s generally pricier and less discount-friendly than resellers.
| Provider | OV Price (USD/Yr) | EV Price (USD/Yr) | Customer Ratings | Notable Features |
| SectigoStore | ~$220 [Buy Now] |
~$290 [Buy Now] |
 |
Fast issuance, support, discounts |
| TheSSLStore | ~$288 [Buy Now] |
~$380 [Buy Now] |
|
Established reputation, support |
| SSL2Buy | ~$322 | ~$423 |  |
Transparent pricing, global reach |
| Sectigo Direct | ~$380 | ~$500 | |
Direct authenticity, highest price |
How to Install a Sectigo Code Signing Certificate in Windows
- Open Certificate Manager (“Manage user certificates”).
- Use the Import Wizard to select and import the signed certificate.
- Enter the certificate password, mark the key exportable, and include extended properties.
- Choose the Personal folder as the destination.
- Complete the import and verify installation dialog.
What’s the Difference Between OV vs EV Sectigo Code Signing Certificate
| Feature | OV Code Signing | EV Code Signing |
| Validation Level | Organization | Extended (company & individual) |
| Private Key Delivery | Download (secure email) | Hardware USB token via courier |
| SmartScreen Reputation Boost | Limited | Strong (bypasses filter) |
| Timestamping | Yes | Yes |
| Supported Platforms | Most OS | Most OS |
Additional Resources
- Sectigo End User Guide (PDF): Detailed technical documentation and best practices.
- Sectigo Official Support: Step-by-step assistance and troubleshooting for installation and collection.
It supports tamper detection, non‑repudiation, and long‑term timestamps to ensure your documents remain valid for business and legal audits globally
Frequently Asked Questions About Sectigo Code Signing Certificate
What is a Sectigo Code Signing Certificate?
A Sectigo Code Signing Certificate is a digital certificate that developers use to sign software applications. The certificate validates the publisher’s identity and ensures code integrity. Users receive security warnings when installing unsigned code.
Why choose Sectigo for code signing?
Sectigo is a global leader in PKI, providing high-trust, widely accepted code signing certificates with rapid issuance and multi-platform compatibility.
How much does a Sectigo Code Signing Certificate cost?
Sectigo OV Code Signing Certificates cost between $220 to $399 per year. EV Code Signing certificates range from $300 to $500 annually. Prices vary based on validation levels and features.
How do I install a Sectigo Code Signing Certificate?
Install a Sectigo Code Signing Certificate by downloading the certificate from your Sectigo account. Import the certificate into your development environment. Use the certificate manager in Windows or KeyChain in macOS to complete installation.
What is the validity period of Sectigo Code Signing Certificates?
Sectigo Code Signing Certificates have a standard validity period of one to three years. Most developers choose annual certificates for cost efficiency. Certificate renewal notifications arrive 30 days before expiration.
Can I use Sectigo Code Signing Certificate for multiple applications?
Yes, developers can use one Sectigo Code Signing Certificate to sign multiple applications. The certificate works for unlimited code signing during its validity period. Each signed application receives unique timestamping.
What platforms support Sectigo Code Signing Certificates?
Sectigo Code Signing Certificates work on Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms. The certificates support .exe, .dll, .ocx, .msi, .xpi, and .jar file formats. Developers can sign mobile applications for iOS and Android.
How does Sectigo Code Signing differ from SSL certificates?
Code Signing Certificates secure software code and verify developer identity. SSL certificates secure website connections and verify website ownership. Each certificate type serves different security purposes and uses separate validation processes.
What is the Difference Between OV and EV Sectigo Code Signing Certificates?
When talk to OV vs EV Code Signing Certificate, then OV certificates provide organization-level validation with digital key delivery, while EV certificates offer stricter vetting with private keys stored on hardware tokens. EV certificates also provide faster reputation build and better protection against tampering for software publishers.
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.
