A code signing certificate is a digital certificate that authenticates software, scripts, and executables, proving the publisher's identity and ensuring the code hasn't been tampered with since signing, using public key cryptography (PKI). It builds user trust, reduces security warnings, and verifies the code's integrity and legitimate origin, even after the certificate expires, thanks to timestamping.
Code Signing is essential for software developers and publishers. It acts as a digital shrink-wrap, assuring end-users that the software they are downloading is legitimate and safe. Without it, modern operating systems often block installation or display scary warning messages that can severely impact user adoption.
