Why EV Code Signing Certificate? [Software Publishers’ Guide]

Downloading software, installing applications or updating programs are usual practices these days. But how can you be sure that they are safe to use and hasn’t been tampered with? The solution lies in EV Code Signing Certificates. Software developers use them to demonstrate their software’s authenticity.

This article covers EV Code Signing Certificates and their critical importance for software security in an increasingly security-conscious digital landscape.

What is an Extended Validation EV Code Signing Certificate?

An EV Code Signing Certificate digitally signs software applications, scripts, and executables. It verifies the publisher’s authenticity and even confirms that the code has not been modified after signing.

What distinguishes EV code signing certificates from standard ones is that they go through a relatively extended validation process. This includes verifying the organization’s legal identity, physical address, and operational existence. The private key is stored on a FIPS 140-2 compliant YubiKey token or hardware security module. So, the chances of unauthorized access are almost nullified.

One of the primary benefits of an EV Code Signing Certificate is recognition by Microsoft SmartScreen. It helps prevent security warnings such as “Unknown Publisher” during software installation. This makes it a preferred choice for software developers and publishers seeking industry compliance with security standards.

What are the Key Features & Benefits of EV Code Signing?

EV Code Signing Certificates go beyond basic digital signatures by providing stronger identity validation for software publishers. These benefits directly impact user confidence and installation success rates.

Enhanced Security with Hardware-Based Protection:

EV certificates store the private key on a secure hardware token that meets the Common Criteria EAL 4+ or FIPS 140 Level 2 requirements as mandated by the CA/B Forum. It reduces the risk of key theft or misuse. So you can be sure that only you (or authorized personnel) can sign your software. This significantly reduces the chances of malware injection and unauthorized code modifications.

Builds User Trust

One of the biggest reasons to get an EV Code Signing Certificate is that it helps build trust. Digitally signing an application with an EV certificate creates a cryptographic signature. When users do not get any “Unknown Publisher” warnings, they know it’s from a legitimate source.

Build SmartScreen Score

If you’ve ever downloaded software and seen a “Windows protected your PC” warning, that’s Microsoft SmartScreen in action. With EV Code Signing, MS SmartScreen sees your software as legitimate from day one, making it an essential tool for professional developers.

Cross-Platform Compatibility

These certificates are compatible with multiple platforms across Windows, macOS, and other major platforms. They can be used to sign Windows executables (.exe, .dll, .msi, .cab, .ocx, .xpi, .xap), macOS applications and plug-ins, drivers, and other software components that require authentication. They support Microsoft Authenticode for both kernel-mode and user-mode files. Additionally, they are compatible with Adobe AIR applications, Java (JAR signing), Microsoft Office Macros and VBA scripts, Mozilla object files, and Microsoft Silverlight applications.

Strict Vetting Process for Maximum Trust

An EV certificate requires a more stringent process than a standard or individual code sign certificate. Extra checks are performed by the Certificate Authority to verify your legal identity, physical address, operational history, and more. So only legitimate developers and organizations can obtain an EV certificate.

How an EV Code Signing Certificate Benefit Developers and Users?

EV Code Signing Certificates bring more than just source code, .exe, .cab, .dll, .ocx, .msi, .xpi, and .xap security – they make the entire software distribution process smoother and trustworthy. When you sign your application with an extended validation code signing, it is instantly recognized by Microsoft SmartScreen and other security filters. Users do not get any OS and platform security warnings during installation and hence the download process is easy. Moreover, private keys are stored on FIPS 140-2 Level 2+ compliant USB tokens or HSMs. This extra layer of security prevents attackers from signing malicious software with your credentials.

By using an EV Code Signing Certificate, software developers protect their software and also build a reputation for reliability and quality. This can lead to higher download rates and stronger customer loyalty, which is very important in the industry. Platforms like Microsoft’s Windows Hardware Developer Center mandates developers to use EV Code Signing Certificates for kernel-mode driver signing and software approval, so having one keeps you in line with industry standards.

How does the EV Code Signing Certificate Issuance Process Works?

Getting an EV Code Signing Certificate is a structured process that verifies an organization’s legitimacy and protects its signing credentials. Each step contributes to confirming that only authorized entities can sign software. Below is a breakdown of the key stages of obtaining an EV certificate.

1. Choose a Trusted Code Signing from Top Certificate Authority

   The first thing you need to do is choose a recognized Certificate Authority. Picking the right CA is important because they perform rigorous verification and issue certificates that are universally trusted by operating systems, security filters, and web platforms.

2. Complete Identity Verification

   You must prove to your CA that your organization is legitimate. This requires extensive documentation, such as business registration documents, proof of address, operational existence, and phone call verification. These steps prevent fraudulent entities from obtaining EV code signing certificates.

3. Secure Hardware Token Setup

   After your identity is verified, you’ll receive a hardware token (FIPS 140-2 Level 2+ compliant) that holds your private key and the certificate. This is important because by doing this, nobody can access your key except yourself, reinforcing an additional protection layer for your EV certificate.

4. Certificate Issuance

   Once everything is set up and verified, your CA will issue your EV Code Signing Certificate. This certificate is what allows you to digitally sign your code, making sure it’s authentic and trusted by users. It includes verified organization details, a cryptographic signature and timestamping support.

5. Signing Your Code

   Finally, you can use the hardware token to digitally sign your applications. To sign your software, connect the hardware token, use cryptographic tools like SignTool, and distribute the signed application for trusted deployment.

Best Practices to Use EV Code Signing Certificate

Having an EV Code Signing Certificate alone is not enough to get the most out of it. You need to use and manage it properly. By choosing a provider you can depend on, and by following good security practices, you will not only protect your software from malicious actors but also gain the trust of users.

Choosing the Right Code Signing Certificate Provider

When selecting a provider for your EV Code Signing Certificate, consider factors such as:

• Reputation and Trustworthiness: Go with a CA who has a solid reputation in the market, DigiCert, Comodo, and Sectigo among others.
• Customer Support: Make sure they offer 24/7 support for any issues you may encounter and clear documentation for technical issues.
• Pricing Structure: Compare the value you are receiving such as security features and long-term support. You can even search for special discounts and offers through authorized distributors.

Additional Tips for Maintaining Security

To maintain security when using an EV Code Signing Certificate:

• Multi-Factor Authentication: Enable multiple authentication methods for the USB token that holds your EV certificate. This makes it almost impossible for any unauthorized modifications to take place.
• Monitor Expiration Dates: Keep a track of your certificate’s validity and initiate the renewal process well in advance to prevent signing disruptions.

Top EV Code Signing Certificate to Buy in 2025

Product Name	Price
Comodo EV Code Signing Certificate	$298.00/yr.	Buy Now
Sectigo EV Code Signing Certificate	$298.00/yr.	Buy Now
DigiCert EV Code Signing Certificate	$515.00/yr.	Buy Now

Conclusion

In the digital realm that we are in, software security is more important than ever. EV Code Signing Certificates provide a cryptographic guarantee that your software is unaltered and published by a verified entity. For developers and businesses, they increase reputation and thereby, software adoption rates. Invest in an EV Code Signing Certificate today for long-term credibility. Get the cheapest EV code signing certificate that support kernel-mode signing, and Windows Defender SmartScreen filter at CheapSSLShop.