The code signing certificate is provided to software developers to digitally sign the software they develop, and many software developers have already used it. Why does software need to be digitally signed?
Software that does not use a digital signature may not function properly. Take the Windows system as an example. If a user downloads and runs unsigned software, the Windows system will issue a red security warning; and for signed ActiveX controls, Windows will directly block it and not allow it to run. Therefore, using a code signing certificate to digitally sign software is an indispensable process before software is released.
What are the functions of code signing certificates?
1) Guarantee the safety and integrity of the code
The code signing certificate protects the developer's software security through the same industry standard encryption used by the SSL certificate. Avoid tampering and damage by a third party, ensuring the safety and integrity of the code.
2) Prevent illegal addition of malicious code
The code signing certificate signs the hash value of the file. As long as the content of the file changes, the signature value does not match the hash value of the file. As long as the system finds that the signature value does not match the hash value when the software is installed, it will naturally be found immediately The file has been illegally tampered with, which effectively prevents the illegal injection of malicious code.
3) Enhance user credibility and enhance corporate image
After the software is digitally signed with the code signing certificate, the user will not pop up a system security warning when downloading and installing the software, and the name of the product publisher can be displayed, which can enhance the user’s credibility while also enhancing the corporate image, achieving two goals.
With the code signing certificate, the software is safe, and users can download and use it with confidence, which is also very helpful for increasing the download usage rate of the software.