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What is a code signature? Why do I need it?

When customers download applications online, install plug-ins and attachments, or interact with complex web applications, they must believe that the code is real and has not been infected or rewritten. In the traditional software sales process, applicants can confirm the source and integrity of the application by checking the packaging. The code signature creates a digital "protective film" that can prove to the customer the identity of the company or individual responsible for the code and confirm that the code has not been modified since the signature was applied. Symantec code signing protects your brand and intellectual property by making your application easy to identify and not easily forged or destroyed by data signing.

What kind of code signing certificate do I need?

Symantec code signatures support more platforms than any other code signing provider. Symantec is one of the reliable code signing providers for Windows Phone, AT&T Developer Program, Java Verified, and Symbian Signed applications. Select the Symantec code signing certificate that is suitable for your development platform: Symantec code signing certificate.

Does the code signing certificate apply to individual developers?

Right. Although it will be slightly different for individual developers independent of joint ventures, the strict approval process continues unabated. To apply for a Symantec code signing certificate as an individual, select the code signing certificate that is appropriate for your development platform, and then select the personal option to register.

How does a code signing certificate work?

Code and content signatures are based on public key encryption. Developers or software publishers use private keys to add digital signatures to code or content. During the download process, the software platform and applications decrypt the signature using the public key and compare the hash value used when signing the application with the hash value of the downloaded application. The system may automatically accept the code signed by the trusted source, or it may issue a security warning requiring the end user to view the signature information before deciding whether to trust the code.

How long does it take to apply for a code signing certificate?

During the code signing registration process, Symantec collects information about you or your company for authentication. The validation process can take hours or days, depending on the information you provide and how easy it is to validate. Because Symantec must receive the payment before delivering the certificate, payment by credit card can speed up delivery.

How long does the digital signature last?

Each code signing certificate requested has a specific validity period. You can use it to sign code at any time as long as it is within the validity period of the digital certificate. After the digital certificate expires, all digital signatures based on the digital certificate also expire unless the signature contains a timestamp. The timestamp option displays the signing time of the code, allowing the customer to verify that the code signing certificate is valid for digital signing.

Can I install the code signing certificate on multiple computers?

The code signing certificate can be used on any computer after it is obtained. However, you must apply for and obtain a code signing certificate from the same computer. If you have problems getting it, make sure you are using the same computer, browser, and login profile you used when registering. In order to improve security and management, Symantec recommends that developers apply for separate code signing certificates instead of sharing certificates. If a certificate must be revoked because of a breach, all applications signed by the certificate will be disabled.

How does anyone know they can trust my signature?

Signing your code ensures that it is not tampered with and is indeed provided by you, but does not verify your identity. Software systems, applications, and mobile networks rely on the root certificate of a certification authority to determine the validity of digital signatures. A third-party CA is more trusted than a self-signed certificate because the certificate applicant must go through a review or verification process. The popularity of Symantec root certificates is unparalleled. Our root certificate is pre-installed on most devices and built into most applications, providing a secure and seamless installation process for end users.

How many code signing certificates do I need?

In order to improve security and management, Symantec recommends that developers apply for separate code signing certificates instead of sharing certificates. If a certificate must be revoked because of a breach, all applications signed by the certificate will be disabled. Symantec recommends purchasing a code signing certificate for each development platform. To use the same certificate across platforms, you need to use other utilities for conversion.

What if my private key is lost or damaged?

If the private key is lost or damaged, or if your information changes, you should immediately revoke the code signing certificate and replace it with a new certificate.

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