Code signing refers to a legal and valid procedure
where author of any content or software or any organization can take help of a
certificate (containing a digital signature) for verifying their identities,
thus convincing the customers that the content/software is safe to download. It
can be opted by a team of software developers, an individual or an
organization.
In
this post, we will first discuss in details about code
signing. In the next segment, we will point out how it works. This will
help you to understand the mechanisms involved in it.
What is Code Signing and Why It is
Important?
We
often need to download software for various purposes. Unfortunately,
occasionally, hackers tamper with these software programs, thus spreading
malware and stealing crucial information. For this reason, customers always try
to verify whether the software has been released by the original author or been
tampered with. In most cases, customers prefer to download a software that has
been released by a renowned company and herein lies the importance of code signing.
From
viewpoint of the original authors, this code signing
certificate establishes their identity, thus earning trust of the
customers. From viewpoint of the customers, the certificate informs them about
source of the code, its original author and so, assures them that it can be
downloaded safely.
How Does Code Signing Work?
·
In the first stage, the developer requests for a
digital ID. Post the request, he is given a public and a private key. The
private key should not be shared with anyone.
·
In the next stage, the developer request for the
certificate by submitting the necessary documents and also the public key that
was given to him.
· Once he gets the certificate, he uses the
private code for signing the certificate. When users check the software, they
are convinced about its origin and may choose to download it.
Hope this helped you in understanding the processes involved
in code signing certificate.
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