





Java code signing certificates are a crucial component of secure software development and distribution. They help to identify the source of a software program and verify its authenticity, ensuring that end-users can trust the software they are downloading. In this tutorial, we will guide you through how to install Java Code Signing Certificate, including creating a Java Keystore, generating a Certificate Signing Request (CSR), and installing the CA-generated code signing certificate file such as individual code signing, standard code signing, and ev code signing certificates to the Keystore.
Before starting, make sure you have the Java Development Kit (JDK) installed on your computer or server. You need it to run the commands needed for this process.
When you make your Certificate Signing Request (CSR), keep track of your keystore file, which contains your private key. You will need it later to install your Code Signing Certificate.
If you are using a Windows Server, use the Command Prompt to run the commands. Your JDK bin folder should be included in your PATH environment, like C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.7.0_02\bin.
Alternatively, you can go to the JDK bin folder and run the keytool command directly from there.
Note: Always remember to move the keystore and CSR files to a different location after creating them.
keytool -genkey -alias server -keyalg RSA -keysize 4096 -keystore keystore.jks
keytool -certreq -alias server -file csr.csr -keystore keystore.jks
This command will produce a .jks and .csr file, and it will ask you to enter the password that you created in step 2. The password you enter is used to secure the private key and the .jks file
To order your code signing certificate, open the csr.csr file in a text editor and copy the contents into the CSR box on the order form. Remember to keep the keystore and its password safe, as you will need them to install your certificate and sign code.
To install your code signing certificate from DigiCert, use the following steps:
keytool -import -trustcacerts -alias server -file YourName.p7b -keystore keystore.jks
Now, your code signing certificate is installed, and you can start signing your code.
The next question is how to sign Java .jar files with jarsigner. Let’s answer that.
Once you have installed your Code Signing certificate in the keystore, you are ready to sign Java .jar files with the jarsigner tool. To sign a .jar file, run the following command in the command prompt:
jarsigner -keystore keystore.jks YourJarFile.jar server
Note: You will be prompted for the keystore password. You will also receive a message stating: “jar signed.” You have now signed your .jar file.