





When it comes to bolstering the security of your software applications through code signing, two well-known options available are Code Signing Certificate and EV Code Signing Certificate. While these certificates share certain similarities, it is vital to grasp the fundamental distinctions between them to make an informed choice for your software security requirements. This article aims to compare Code Signing vs EV Code Signing, highlighting the factors that set them apart from each other.
But, before we start comparing code signing vs EV code signing, let’s understand what a code signing certificate is, its types, benefits, etc.
A Code Signing Certificate is a digital certificate that acts as an essential tool for software developers. These SSL certificates safeguard the integrity and authenticity of the developer’s applications, executables, drivers, and software programs. By digitally signing their code with this certificate, developers empower end-users to verify the untainted nature of the code they receive, reassuring them that it remains unaltered and unchanged by any malicious entities.
When a code signing certificate is applied to a file, it places a digital signature on it, utilizing an X.509 certificate. This signature acts as an unwavering guarantee that assures users that the file in question has not fallen victim to tampering or compromise since its signing. This invaluable assurance further instills confidence in users, providing them with the knowledge that the software they download is genuinely authentic and entirely secure for their usage.
Code signing is important for several reasons:
There are two types of code-signing certificates:
Let’s explore both of them in a summarized way:
A regular code signing certificate offers a basic level of identity validation. Before issuing a regular code signing certificate, the CA confirms the publisher’s ownership of the private key used for code signing. You may also need to provide proof of business ownership and public or government records like DUNS.
It provide an enhanced level of identity validation and offer additional trust and reputation benefits. EV certificates require a more rigorous validation process, including verifying the publisher’s identity, legal existence, etc. In short, it requires extensive verification of the business.
The validation process for both Code Signing Certificate and EV Code Signing Certificate involves confirming the ownership of the private key used for code signing. However, EV Code Signing Certificate goes a step further by conducting extensive verification of the publisher’s identity, legal existence, physical address, and operational presence. This additional validation process enhances the trust level associated with EV certificates.
Regular or OV (Organization Validation) code signing certificates can be issued to both individuals and organizations. However, the same does not apply to the EV code signing cert. EV certificates can only be issued to organizations and cannot be obtained by individuals unless they are officially registered as sole proprietors.
The issuance time for a code signing certificate can vary depending on the CA involved. However, as a general observation, OV code signing certificates typically have a slightly faster issuance time compared to EV Code Signing Certificates. This discrepancy in issuance time can be attributed to the more comprehensive and rigorous validation process required for EV certificates.
Regular Code Signing Certificates show a digital signature as the visible trust indicator, confirming the authenticity and integrity of the signed code. On the other hand, EV Code Signing displays the digital signature with the company name as the visible trust indicator. This added visibility helps establish more trust and credibility for software signed with an EV certificate.
Code signing certificates are inexpensive compared to EV code signing certs. A standard code signing certificate starts at just $279.99/yr, but you must invest at least $329.99/yr to purchase an EV signing certificate.
From July 1, 2023, both OV and EV code signing certificates must store and generate their private keys using a Hardware Security Module (HSM), Hardware storage tokens, or a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) that complies with FIPS 140 Level 2, Common Criteria EAL 4+, or an equivalent standard. This requirement makes both certificates identical in terms of private key storage and generation.
Both types of code signing certificates employ the same encryption strength using SHA-2, with up to 256 bits. This guarantees the integrity and safety of the signed code.
Neither the regular code signing certificate nor the EV code signing certificate provides any warranty. Therefore, the warranty aspect remains the same for both types of certificates.
The RSA key length for both the code signing certificates is typically either 3072 bit or 4096 bit, which assures solid cryptographic protection for code signing operations.
OV and EV code signing certificates offer exceptional versatility and broad compatibility across a wide array of devices and platforms. Regardless of whether you’re utilizing mobile devices or web browsers or if your preference lies with Mac or Windows operating systems, these certificates can ensure seamless operation on 99.99% of modern browsers and platforms. This extensive compatibility guarantees that the code you sign using these certificates will be readily acknowledged and trusted by users across diverse devices and platforms. This results in a smooth and secure user experience that leaves no room for doubt.
Learn more about Code Signing Certificate Delivery Methods.
Benchmark | Code Signing | EV Code Signing |
Maximum subscription duration | Three years | Three years |
Issuance Time | 4-6 Business days | 4-8 Business days |
Encryption Strength | SHA – 2, Up to 256-bits | SHA – 2, Up to 256-bits |
RSA Key Length | 3072-bit or 4096-bit | 3072-bit or 4096-bit |
Device Compatibility | 99.99% | 99.99% |
Platform Compatibility | 99.99% | 99.99% |
Validation Type | Standard validation | Extended validation |
Validation Method | Basic Business Validation and phone call | Business validation and phone Call |
Visible Trust Indicator | Digital signature | Company name with digital signature |
MS Smartscreen Filter | No | Yes |
Delivery Modes | USB tokens | USB tokens |
Time Stamp | Yes | Yes |
Malware Scan | No | No |
Free Vulnerability Check | No | No |
Technical Support | Yes | Yes |
Warranty | No | No |
Java Signing | Yes | Yes |
Microsoft Authenticode Signing | Yes | Yes |
Adobe Air Signing | Yes | Yes |
Windows Vista x64 kernel-mode signing | Yes | Yes |
Microsoft Office VBA signing | Yes | Yes |
MS Office Document Signing | Yes | Yes |
The key differences between these certificates are:
Regular code signing certificates suit most software applications, including desktop applications, scripts, drivers, and other common software types. If your primary goal is to establish trust and integrity for your software while not making a hole in your pocket, a regular code signing certificate is the option you should go for.
EV code signing certificates are recommended for organizations or individuals requiring an elevated trust and reputation level. If your software is distributed on a large scale, especially in enterprise environments, or if you want to ensure a higher level of user confidence, investing in an EV code signing certificate can provide additional benefits.
In summary, while both regular Code Signing Certificates and EV Code Signing verify the authenticity of software, the key differences lie in the level of validation, price, disbursement limitation, trust indicators, and issuance time.
Regular Code Signing Certificates offer a cost-effective solution with a faster issuance time. At the same time, EV Code Signing provides higher trust and credibility through extensive validation and prominent company name display. Consider your specific needs and budget when selecting the most suitable certificate for your code signing requirements.