Downloading software, installing applications or updating programs are usual practices these days. But how can you be sure that they are safe to use and hasn’t been tampered with? The solution lies in EV Code Signing Certificates. Software developers use them to demonstrate their software’s authenticity. This article covers EV Code Signing Certificates and their critical importance for software security in an increasingly security-conscious digital landscape. What is an Extended Validation EV Code Signing Certificate? An EV Code Signing Certificate digitally signs software applications, scripts, and executables. It verifies the publisher’s authenticity and even confirms that the code has not been modified after signing. What distinguishes EV code signing certificates from standard ones is that they go through a relatively extended validation process. This includes verifying the organization’s legal identity, physical address, and operational existence. The private key is stored on a FIPS 140-2 compliant YubiKey token or hardware security module. So, the chances of unauthorized access are almost nullified. One of the primary benefits of an EV Code Signing Certificate is recognition by Microsoft SmartScreen. It helps prevent security warnings such as “Unknown Publisher” during software installation. This makes it a preferred choice for software developers and publishers seeking […]
