Build Trust Through
Verified Software
Protect your software from tampering, malware injection, and supply-chain attacks. Code signing certificates ensure integrity, build user confidence, and eliminate security warnings across all platforms.
Verified Publisher
Code Signed & Trusted
What is Code Signing?
A cryptographic process that proves software authenticity and integrity, protecting users from malicious code and unauthorized modifications.
How Code Signing Works
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1
Hashing
The software is processed through a cryptographic hash function, creating a unique digital fingerprint of the code.
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2
Digital Signature
The hash is encrypted using the publisher’s private key, creating a digital signature embedded in the software.
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3
Verification
Operating systems verify the signature using the publisher’s public key, confirming the software hasn’t been tampered with.
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4
Trust Establishment
Users see the verified publisher name and can trust the software comes from a legitimate source.
Risks of Unsigned Software
Without code signing, your software faces serious security and distribution challenges:
- ❌ Security warnings prevent users from installing your software
- ❌ Malware injection can occur without detection
- ❌ Supply-chain attacks become easier to execute
- ❌ Brand reputation suffers from trust issues
- ❌ Distribution blocked by enterprise security policies
Platforms That Rely on Code Signing
Windows
SmartScreen, Defender, and kernel-mode drivers
macOS
Gatekeeper and notarization requirements
Java
JAR files and applet security
Scripts
PowerShell, VBA, and automation tools
Types of Code Signing Certificates
Choose between Standard and Extended Validation certificates based on your security requirements, distribution scale, and trust needs.
Standard Code Signing
Organization Validation (OV)
Standard code signing certificates verify your organization’s identity and allow you to digitally sign software, scripts, and executables. Ideal for established publishers with existing reputation.
Standard certificates require time to build SmartScreen reputation. Initial downloads may show security warnings until trust is established.
Who Should Use Standard Code Signing
- ✔ Established software publishers with existing user base
- ✔ Internal enterprise applications and tools
- ✔ Scripts and automation workflows
- ✔ Budget-conscious teams building reputation over time
Key Benefits
- ✅ Verify software integrity and authenticity
- ✅ Lower cost compared to EV certificates
- ✅ Easy CI/CD pipeline integration
EV Code Signing
Extended Validation
Extended Validation code signing provides the highest level of identity assurance with immediate SmartScreen reputation. Hardware-secured keys ensure maximum security for mission-critical software distribution.
Software signed with EV certificates gets immediate reputation with Microsoft SmartScreen—no waiting period required.
Ideal Use Cases
- ⭐ Enterprise software with wide distribution
- ⭐ Security and antivirus applications
- ⭐ Kernel-mode drivers and system utilities
- ⭐ Public-facing downloads requiring immediate trust
Identity Verification Process
- 🔐 Rigorous business identity verification
- 🔐 Legal existence and operational status confirmed
- 🔐 Physical address and phone verification
- 🔐 Authorized representative authentication
Hardware Security Requirements
Private keys must be stored on FIPS 140-2 Level 2 certified hardware:
- 🔑 USB hardware security token
- ☁️ Cloud-based HSM signing service
Standard vs EV Code Signing
Compare features, requirements, and benefits to choose the right certificate for your organization.
| Feature | Standard Code Signing | EV Code Signing |
|---|---|---|
| Trust Level | Organization Validated (OV) | Extended Validation (EV) |
| Identity Verification | Basic business verification | Rigorous multi-step validation |
| SmartScreen Reputation | ⏳ Built over time | ⚡ Instant reputation |
| Key Storage | File-based or cloud HSM | Hardware token or cloud HSM required |
| Security Standard | Standard encryption | FIPS 140-2 Level 2 |
| Issuance Time | 1–3 business days | 3–7 business days |
| CI/CD Integration | ✔ | ✔ |
| Deployment Complexity | Low to Medium | Medium (hardware setup) |
| Cost | $ | $$$ |
| Best For | Internal tools, scripts, established publishers | Public software, new publishers, enterprise apps |
💡 Recommendation
Choose EV Code Signing if you're distributing software publicly or need immediate trust. Use Standard signing for internal tools or if you already have an established reputation.
🛡️ Security Priority
Both certificate types provide strong security. EV certificates add hardware-backed key protection and instant platform trust for maximum assurance.
🚀 Time to Market
EV certificates eliminate the reputation-building wait time, allowing you to distribute trusted software immediately after signing.
Deployment & Usage Options
Code signing certificates integrate seamlessly across your entire software development and distribution lifecycle.
Desktop Applications
Sign Windows executables, macOS apps, and cross-platform installers to ensure user trust and eliminate security warnings.
- .exe and .msi files
- macOS .app bundles
- Installer packages
Updates & Patches
Sign software updates and patches to maintain trust throughout the application lifecycle and prevent tampering.
- Auto-update mechanisms
- Delta updates
- Security patches
Scripts & Automation
Sign PowerShell scripts, batch files, and automation tools to prevent execution blocks and establish authenticity.
- PowerShell scripts
- VBScript and JavaScript
- Office macros
Drivers & Kernel Software
Sign device drivers and kernel-level components required for hardware compatibility and system-level operations.
- Windows drivers (.sys)
- Kernel extensions
- Hardware firmware
CI/CD Pipelines
Integrate code signing into automated build and deployment pipelines for continuous secure software delivery.
- Jenkins integration
- GitHub Actions
- Azure DevOps
Cloud-Based Signing
Use HSM-backed cloud signing services for secure, scalable code signing without managing physical tokens.
- Remote signing APIs
- Multi-user access
- Audit logging
Benefits of Code Signing Certificates
Protect your software, build user trust, and grow your business with verified code signing.
Software Integrity
Cryptographically prove that your software hasn’t been tampered with or modified since signing, protecting against supply-chain attacks.
Build User Trust
Display your verified organization name to users, establishing credibility and confidence in your software’s authenticity and safety.
Eliminate Warnings
Remove scary security warnings that block downloads and installations, dramatically improving user experience and conversion rates.
Prevent Malware
Stop attackers from injecting malicious code or distributing compromised versions of your software under your brand name.
Increase Downloads
Improve download completion rates by eliminating browser and OS security warnings that cause users to abandon downloads.
Platform Compliance
Meet security requirements for Windows, macOS, app stores, and enterprise environments that mandate code signing for distribution.
Kandyp's Code Signing Services
We guide you through every step of the code signing process, from certificate selection to ongoing lifecycle management.
Expert Guidance
Our specialists help you choose between Standard and EV certificates based on your use case, platform requirements, and business goals.
- ✔ Certificate type recommendation
- ✔ Platform compatibility assessment
- ✔ Cost-benefit analysis
Verification Support
We assist with document preparation and identity verification to ensure smooth and fast certificate issuance.
- ✔ Document checklist and preparation
- ✔ Verification coordination
- ✔ Expedited processing assistance
Token & HSM Setup
Complete support for hardware token procurement, HSM configuration, and secure key management for EV certificates.
- ✔ Hardware token provisioning
- ✔ Cloud HSM integration
- ✔ Security best practices training
Workflow Integration
Seamlessly integrate code signing into CI/CD pipelines, build systems, and release workflows.
- ✔ CI/CD pipeline integration
- ✔ Automated signing scripts
- ✔ Multi-platform signing setup
Ongoing Support & Management
We don’t just issue certificates — we provide continuous support for renewals, lifecycle management, and security updates throughout the certificate’s validity period.
Renewal reminders
24/7 Technical Support
Security Alerts
Training Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about code signing certificates
Is code signing mandatory? ⌄
While not legally required in most cases, code signing is increasingly necessary for practical software distribution. Windows SmartScreen, macOS Gatekeeper, and many enterprise environments require signed software. Without it, users face security warnings that often prevent installation.
What happens if my software is unsigned? ⌄
Unsigned software triggers security warnings on Windows, macOS, and other platforms. Users see messages like “unknown publisher” or “unverified developer,” leading to abandoned downloads, reduced trust, and potential malware distribution under your brand name.
Do I need EV code signing or is Standard sufficient? ⌄
Standard certificates work well for internal tools, scripts, and smaller applications. EV certificates are recommended for commercial software, security tools, and large-scale distribution due to instant SmartScreen reputation and higher trust levels. Consider your audience, distribution scale, and budget.
How long does certificate issuance take? ⌄
Standard code signing certificates typically take 1–3 business days after document verification. EV certificates require more rigorous validation and take 3–7 business days. Processing time depends on document completeness and verification callback availability.
Can I use code signing certificates in CI/CD pipelines? ⌄
Yes. Code signing integrates seamlessly with CI/CD tools like Jenkins, GitHub Actions, Azure DevOps, and GitLab CI. For Standard certificates, store keys securely in pipeline secrets. For EV certificates, use cloud HSM services or remote signing APIs for automated workflows.
What happens when my certificate expires? ⌄
Previously signed software remains valid if timestamped correctly during signing. However, you cannot sign new software with an expired certificate. Plan renewals 30–60 days before expiration to avoid distribution interruptions. We send renewal reminders well in advance.
What is timestamping and why is it important? ⌄
Timestamping proves when software was signed, allowing signatures to remain valid even after certificate expiration. Always use RFC 3161 timestamp servers during signing. Without timestamps, your software becomes untrusted immediately when the certificate expires.
Ready to Secure and Distribute Your Software with Confidence?
Let Kandyp handle your code signing certificates, verification, and secure signing workflows—so you can focus on shipping trusted software faster.