The primary purpose of code signing is to confirm to users that the software they are about to install is genuine, has not been modified, and is from the developer. The verification layer has proven to be a powerful method for defence against tampering in cases with the presence of malware and fake updates, and eventually, trust can be established prior to any code being executed, thus being a gradual process.
For developers who want a high level of security but do not want to deal with the hassle of hardware tokens or complicated device setups, a certum code signing certificate is one of the very few inexpensive cloud-based solutions that are still available. By using the cloud-based system, it becomes simpler than ever to sign the software with a secure online process, and it requires no hardware at all; hence, teams can be located anywhere and still be part of the signing process.
What is a Code Signing Certificate?
A code signing certificate is a digital credential that not only identifies the software publisher but also ensures that the users get the unaltered code of distribution being signed. In a digital age where files can easily be intercepted, changed, or tampered with, Code signing acts as a security seal that can be relied upon by users. When a developer signs an app, the operating systems and security filters instantly know who the issuer is and if the file has been tampered with or not.
The method behind it is very simple yet incredibly effective. The developers sign their programs using a private key that only they have, and the systems of the end users check that signature with a public key that belongs to a trusted Certificate Authority and the one that was issued to the corresponding private key. For Publishers, the advantages are mainly in the technical and in the reputation aspect of their business. The installation of signed software is fast and easy, and it gives an impression of professionalism to both customers and partners.
Types of Code Signing Certificates
There are various formats for code signing certificates, and each is designated for a specific purpose within the software trust ecosystem. The developers can pick the right option for them among the three factors of validation, usability, and security only after understanding the available choices.
OV or Standard Code Signing
- This is the most common choice for software developers. It confirms the publisher’s identity and clears out frequent installation warnings. Therefore, it is appropriate for small firms and individual programmers who want trust signals without going through the long process of checks.
EV or Extended Validation Code Signing
- The vetting process for EV certificates is stricter, and consequently, their level of assurance is higher. They are preferred by large organizations that distribute software to a wide range of users. This is because the extra validation often leads to easier installations and stronger trust from operating system filters.
Open Source Code Signing Certificates
- In the case of such a software development community, this option guarantees that contributors can publish their code as genuine even when there is no corporate support. It provides open-source maintainers a certified way of proving integrity and consistency throughout their releases.
Physical Token vs. Cloud-Based Signing
- The classical certificates based on tokens use USB devices to keep the private keys. Although safe, they may cause issues in workflows, especially in the case of remote or distributed teams. Contemporary Cloud-based signing takes a more modern approach, managing the keys online but with strict access controls. The certum code signing certificate is one such example of how cloud workflows make hardware less important and thus simplify key management, but without compromising on security.
What Affects Price in Code Signing Certificates?
The cost of a code signing certificate is determined by different validation and technical factors. The developers who are aware of these factors will be able to go for the cheapest option, but at the same time will not lose their trust.
Validation Level
- Standard OV certificates are generally more affordable, but EV certificates are more expensive owing to extensive organization verifications and greater trust indicators.
Token Type: Hardware or Cloud
- Hardware tokens increase the initial cost because a physical device is required. Cloud-based solutions, however, reduce hardware costs and often speed up the signing process.
Issuance Time
- The price is higher, and the value is lower when the validation and issuance are fast. EV certificates take the longest to process, and this can result in a higher price.
Platform Compatibility
- Certificates that work well on different platforms, such as Windows, macOS, Java, and cross-framework tools, are generally more expensive due to needing wider integration.
Certificate Authority Trust Level
- CAs have the better-known names, but they usually charge more because of their higher levels of trust, acceptance worldwide, and stringent vetting processes.
Annual vs. Multi-Year Pricing
- For two or more years, buys tend to drive the cost per year down, while single-year buying is likely to be the pricier option in the long run.
In-Depth Review: Certum Code Signing Certificate (Incl. Cloud Solution)
Certum’s code signing certificates are organized in such a way that developers can choose between different options depending on their needs, and also, the developers can have a basic level of trust without paying a high cost. So, when looking for a cheap code signing certificate that is still compliant with global security standards.
Open Source Code Signing (from $49.99)
- This entry-level option, targeted at community-driven projects, enables open-source developers to share their software with confirmed integrity. It gives the basic identity assurance at a price that is just right for volunteer-led or donation-funded teams.
Standard Code Signing (from $89.99)
- This is the standard certificate for independent developers and small businesses. It authenticates the publisher’s identity and eliminates “Unknown Publisher” alerts on most platforms. It is still a trustworthy option for those teams that are looking for good quality at a reasonable price.
Commercial Wildcard SSL Certificate (from $59.99)
- A major factor that makes Certum so attractive is its secure cloud-based infrastructure, which is why the majority of users rely on the Commercial Wildcard SSL. The highly confidential key material is kept in a safeguarded HSM environment that is remote from the users, thus totally removing the requirement for physical tokens or hardware devices.
EV Code Signing (from $289.99)
- EV certificates entail more comprehensive organizational validation and correspondingly more sophisticated trust indicators. Certum makes EV available in a cloud version, so companies can integrate extended validation with modern key management workflows.
Highlight: Certum Cloud Code Signing
- No physical token needed
- The private key is protected in a remote HSM
- Ideal for CI/CD pipelines and single access shared among several developers
- Reduced Operational Costs
- Simplified upscaling for the release across platforms
Supported Platforms
- Certum supports the signing of .exe, .msi, .dll, and .jar files, and many other formats that are common in software distribution.
Time stamping Support
- In addition to that, Certum’s certificates are time-stamped, which signifies that the software’s long-term trustworthiness is assured even when the certificate has expired.
The Buying & Validation Process
- Certificate validation is based on types, with EV being the one that gets the most attention. Nevertheless, the buying process is not complicated for either token or cloud options.
Reasons for Trust in Certum
- As a European Certificate Authority with a globally recognized presence, Certum is not only a trustworthy partner but also an efficient one since its certificates are accepted among major operating systems and development environments.
When to Go for Cloud and When for Token
- Cloud: Preferred for big teams, spread out workflows, continuous integration/deployment, and signing automation.
- Token: Good fit for small teams that like to have control over the keys locally and are used to the storage of USB tokens.
Choosing the Right Certificate for You
The process of selecting a suitable code signing certificate is dictated by the way you create, share, and control your software. Every environment has specific requirements, and being aware of these differences is a way to not only save money but also to maintain the credibility of your product.
For Solo Developers
- Freelance developers who make rare updates or support tiny applications usually search for a solution that is easy to use and cheap at the same time. A lot of the time, a cheap code signing certificate supplies enough validation for software distribution that does not cause system alerts.
For Small Teams
- Groups that work on a few different platforms or manage several product builds can use signing in the cloud to their advantage. When the keys are in a secure remote location, cloud certificates remove the need for token sharing and also minimize the downtime caused by physical equipment.
For Open-Source Maintainers
- The open-source projects usually highly depend on the broad community for contributions, and this makes the issue of authenticity even more vital. An open-source certificate is a very simple but effective way to issue trusted releases without overstepping the financial limits of the project.
For Enterprises and High-Traffic Distribution
- This scenario revolves around major corporations heavily involved in the distribution of software with large-scale adoption or in such sensitive areas where data is being processed, so they should definitely opt for EV validation.
Cloud or Token: Which Format Goes with Your Workflow?
Cloud-Based Signing:
- Ideal for DevOps and CI/CD automation
- Team members can be anywhere as long as they are authorized
- Signing becomes easier in geographically separated teams
Token-Based Signing:
- Fit for air-gapped systems and well-monitored physical places
- It is guaranteed that the signing key is always with the hardware
- Good for companies that have very strict offline security rules
How to Purchase and Set Up a Certum Code Signing Certificate
The process of obtaining and installing a Certum code signing certificate is very simple on the one hand, whereas the steps of the corresponding validation are intentionally made difficult and time-consuming in order to provide high security for both developers and end-users.
1) Certificate Variant Selection
The very first step is to choose the certificate that is the best fit for your development needs. Certum has a vast range of options, which include Open Source, Standard, Cloud, and EV that vary in the level of validation and the flexibility of the workflow.
2) Create a Certum Account
When you acquire your certificate from SSL Cert Shop, in the process, you’ll be asked to set up your Certum Account. Such an integrated system allows you to manage verifications, renewals, and cloud signing straight through our platform.
3) Perform Identity or Organization Validation
According to the type of certificate you are going to be using, Certum will ask for either personal documents or those of the organization. This process ensures that the certificate is given only to real developers or registered companies.
4) Selection of Cloud or Hardware Format
Make a decision on one side between the cloud-based workflow that is automated and user-friendly, and the traditional hardware token on the other side, which is for offline environments or controlled physical security.
5) Standard Tools for Software Signing
The moment the certificate is granted, developers can sign executable, libraries, or Java applications with the help of tools such as sign tool, osslsigncode, or jarsigner.
Common Mistakes When Buying Cheap Certificates
Buying Non-Cloud Certificates When You Need Automation
- It is not uncommon for teams operating with CI/CD pipelines to buy token-based certificates and not be aware of how much they can limit them. The automation workflow and the distributed team demand cloud-based signing.
Choosing Cheap CAs with No Root Trust
- Pricey does not necessarily mean poor quality. The problem comes when developers go for unknown CAs with no established root trust, and this, in turn, generates installation warnings and compatibility issues on the various operating systems.
Ignoring Time stamping
- Without a timestamp, the signed software may automatically lose its validity right after the certificate falls due. Developers often leave out this step, thinking that they have taken all the precautions to ensure the long-term validity of the product.
Neglecting Platform Support or Not Planning for Renewals
- Consequently, if the platform support was overlooked or the renewal schedules were forgotten, the release cycles could get delayed. Good planning takes care of the compatibility with .exe, .msi, .dll, .jar, and other formats while the software trust remains intact.
FAQs
What is Certum cloud signing?
- It is a signing system that operates in the cloud, with the private key safeguarded in a remote HSM that is highly protected. Software developers can perform the signing of their products without needing any physical token.
Is the cloud safer than hardware token?
- Certainly, both methods can be considered secure; however, signing in the cloud offers the benefit of enhanced control over access and the outright loss or damaged device scenario.
Will I be able to use Certum for Windows-based applications?
- Yes, definitely. Certum certificates support Windows executables, installer packages, drivers, and libraries, which means they can be used for software that is almost entirely delivered via the Windows platform.
Will I be able to sign using GitHub Actions?
- There are reliable workarounds even though Certum does not directly support GitHub Actions. You can still use custom scripts or API-based configurations to automate code signing in your GitHub Actions workflow.
Will my signature remain valid after the certificate expires?
- Yes. Provided that the file was stamped with time during signing, it will still be trusted after the expiration of the certificate, which is a very significant factor when dealing with any cheap code signing certificate or premium option.
Conclusion
Certum has positioned itself as a reliable provider for developers who require certified software signing but do not want to spend too much money. The various certificates and global acceptance of the company create a good combination of trust and price.
Certum is providing a quick and secure answer for developers who are considering their options or simply require a cheap code signing certificate that guarantees a lot of identity assurance. The online signing service has minimized the operational difficulties and is very helpful for fast and decentralized work processes.
External Resources
It is possible for developers to rely on dependable external sources to get a better insight into code signing and, consequently, to make their workflows easier.
- Certum Cloud Product Page
The Certum Cloud Product page comprehensively enlightens about and helps one to participate in cloud signing, remote key management, and integration of the Certum process with various development environments.
- Microsoft Signing Documentation
The presents the official tools, best practices, and moreover explains the signature application process for Windows distributions, installers, drivers, and libraries.
- CI/CD Integration Examples
This section demonstrates the integration of code signing into contemporary pipelines such as GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, Azure DevOps, and Jenkins with specific templates and comprehensive instructions.
