Are you a software developer or a publisher? Are you looking for a code signing certificate provider? There are many in the market. But why will you just settle for just a code signing certificate provider when you can have the best on?
Choosing the best code signing certificate provider is a bit challenging but not too tough. There are a lot of things that you need to take care of. For different companies and developers, the definition of the best code signing certificate provider differs.
How To Choose The Finest Code Signing Certificate Provider For Your Business
As I have already mentioned, for different software developers and publishers, the requirements also become different. So, you can not go with just any code signing certificate provider. But do not worry about that if you do not have any proper experience.
Here I will discuss how to choose the best code signing software certificate provider for those who just get into cybersecurity with no experience. So, let’s get started.
Ubiquity
For the success of your app, software, or any other executable file, the trust of the user is one of the most crucial things. So, while you are searching for a code signing certificate provider, you need to make sure that you choose one whose signature is trusted globally.
This will be used for signing your appl, code, software, or any other executable files. At the same time, you also need to ensure that all common platforms and applications support the embedment program of the CA you are choosing. Or else, there is a high chance that you might get a warning message.
Time Stamping
Whichever CA you choose, you will find that there is a validity period of one to three years for their code signing certificate. After the validity period is over, your code signature will expire and be treated as insecure.
But there is a simple way to eliminate this issue, and that is time stamping. Timestamping is offered to ensure that the signed code remains valid though the certificate is expired. So, make sure that your CA is offering it without any hidden or extra charge.
Cost-Effective
It is true that different certificate authorities offer similar certificates but with different price tags. In addition to this, the resellers of those certificate providers sell those same certificates with different price ranges.
Brand, its popularity, and many more things play a role in making the price difference. But here, you just have to make sure that you are getting a good value for the amount of money you are paying.
Core Business
When you are in the market, you know that some companies offer multiple things through the same business. Let’s take the example of the SSL certificates with web hosting.
So, here you have to go with a certificate provider who has a primary business in this industry and does not treat code signing certificate providing as a side business. In addition to that, when you go with a business that is in the industry of code signing or any other x.509 certificates, your experience will be totally different.
Trustworthy
How will you know which CA is trustworthy? So, before putting your money in, check the following things.
- Independent third parties audited the certificate provider.
- The code signing certificate providers operate in total compliance with their Certificate Practice Statement.
- What is the reputation and credibility of the provider within the industry?
- Check the overall reputation of the certificate provider in the industry.
Final Tips
Whenever you choose a certificate provider, make sure you consider the things that I have mentioned above. At the same time, you also can get some recommendations and do your research online. But in the end, choose the one which seems the best for your requirements and business.
