We live in a digital world that relies on a lot of codes. Software is used in almost every aspect of our life and work, and software security is also a concern for us. Using code signing certificates to sign software has become one of the important means to protect software security.
Code signing is very safe for software, but it still needs to be done in the process of operation and maintenance to ensure its safety.
1. Centralized key protection
By storing their private keys centrally, companies will not have to worry about the possible circulation of unauthorized copies or where those signing keys are stored.
2. Signature verification circuit
Organizations need a validation circuit in order to configure via centrally stored keys who is authorized to sign code and on which systems they are authorized to request those signatures.
3. Verify the signature (verify the content that can be signed)
From the moment we approve defined users and systems to perform signing actions, what will they actually sign? Organizations should also define a verification circuit that allows administrators to review signed requests before they are approved.
4. Ability to control signatures
All verification and signing operations should be assigned to system accounts, then checked and scheduled. Automation is necessary to allow developers to deliver on time, while ensuring they have dedicated rules to demonstrate that they are driving the signing process.
5. Auditing and reporting
When using code signing in a software delivery pipeline, it is critical to be able to audit and demonstrate compliance with defined policies and best practices. Organizations should document code signing and verification operations to reduce the risk of attack by opportunistic cybercriminals.
Doing the above 5 points well can ensure the security of the entire cycle of software signing using code signing certificates .