Enterprise Code Signing

Enterprise Code Signing
Code signing is the process of digitally signing executables and scripts to confirm the software author and guarantee that the code has not been altered or corrupted since it was signed. 

What is Code Signing Solution?

Code signing is the process of digitally signing executables and scripts to confirm the software author and guarantee that the code has not been altered or corrupted since it was signed.  Code signing confirms the authenticity and originality of executables and scripts. It assures this information is valid and establishes the legitimacy of the author. Code signing process employs the use of a cryptographic hash to validate authenticity and integrity.

The most common use of code signing is to provide security when deploying; in some programming languages, it can also be used to help prevent namespace conflicts. Almost every code signing implementation will provide some sort of digital signature mechanism to verify the identity of the author or build system, and a checksum to verify that the object has not been modified. It can also be used to provide versioning information about an object or to store other Meta data about an object.

Why Code Signing is needed?

Today internet is the primary medium through which software is distributed, accessed and used.  The worldwide use of this medium has also introduced risk factors. Hackers and cyber criminals may obtain secured executable files and insert malware into it. As a result any user downloading and accessing this file would fall victim to the malware.

Because of the potential damage that an executable or script can cause to a computer system, it is important that users be able to trust code published on the Internet. Code signing identifies that the software or application is coming from a specific source. It also ensures that a piece of code is not altered and it is trustworthy. Users are assured who they are downloading software from.

Benefits of Code Signing

  • With code signing, users can trust the software they are downloading, and need not worry about downloading malware onto their computer or mobile device
  • Since many of the biggest trusted mobile and web application stores, such as the IOS AppStore or Google Play Store, require code signing, developers can distribute their software through even more platforms.

  • Using code signing process for authentication and validation of software, code and/or programs eliminates the risk of program corruption and tampering. This will safeguard the company’s reputation as well as intellectual property.
  • Since many of the biggest trusted mobile and web application stores, such as the IOS AppStore or Google Play Store, require code signing, developers can distribute their software through even more platforms.

Weakness of Code Signing

  • If a legitimate private key is stolen, then the attacker can encode their malicious software with the private key, which will tell the user that the software is safe to use, even if it is not.
  • When companies have hundreds or thousands of developers and just as many code applications that require signing, it becomes difficult to have visibility into all code signing activities. Code signing private keys are often left unprotected, stored on a developer or build server computer.

How CryptoBind Helps to overcome Weakness of Code Signing

  • A central, permanent storage location for private keys in Hardware Security Module (HSM) where they can remain protected, throughout life cycle.
  • Comprehensive visibility and detailed intelligence to track all code signing activities
  • Flexible, consistent and customizable policy enforcement
  • Automation and support for developer processes
  • Scalability that addresses enterprise code signing requirements today and as digital transformation continues

The result is assurance that code signing credentials are protected from unauthorized internal or external use by leveraging a solution that enables development and InfoSec teams to work together more efficiently.

Features

Protect your keys

Protect sensitive code signing private keys in highly secure, flexible Hardware Security Module (HSM)

Attacks Prevention

Define policy-based access controls and workflows to prevent unauthorized signing

Audit everything

Gain visibility into all code signing keys and actions from a single console.

Easy and Secure Access

Make it easy for developers to sign code fast without handling sensitive keys

Move faster

Simplify and streamline code signing processes for your teams. Eliminate manual bottlenecks.

One platform, any team

Enable multiple development teams to sign code remotely via API, console, or remote utility