To prevent tampering or compromise of applications by unauthorized parties, software developers digitally sign their programs with code signing certificates.
SSL.com Extended Validation Code Signing certificates offer the highest level of authentication and security available in signing code, resulting in more trust and higher download counts of your signed applications. Programs signed with an SSL.com EV Code Signing certificate immediately work with Internet Explorer and Windows® SmartScreen® reputation services. For device driver publishers, an EV Code Signing certificate is REQUIRED as a first step for Windows Kernel Mode Signing (see Windows Kernel Mode Signing Policy for more details).
These digital certificates are especially useful in applications that are distributed through the Internet, where applications can pass through a number of suspicious parties or websites before it finally gets downloaded and installed.
Unsigned applications can easily be altered to include malware or viruses, and these untrusted applications will display warning messages resulting in lower installation yields. A code signing certificate issued from a trusted Certificate Authority such as SSL.com can prevent all of those problems.
EV Code Signing Certificates combine all the benefits of OV Code Signing Certificates, including these additional features:
Features
Highest organizational authentication assurance
Signature and time stamping does not expire once certificate expires
Immediate Extended Validation reputation with Microsoft SmartScreen®
Company name, address and organization type displayed in the certificate
Certificate stored on FIPS hardware token prevents key duplication
2-factor authentication through hardware token and PIN combination
Required for Windows 10 kernel-mode and user-mode drivers
Required for Windows Hardware Development Center Dashboard Portal access
Strongest industry encryption with SHA-256 keys
Benefits
Build Reputation and Increase User Confidence
