What is a Software Publisher Certificate and How to Get One?

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In the world of software, trust is everything. That's where a Software Publisher Certificate (SPC) comes in - it's like a seal of approval that tells users your software is safe and legal.

But how does it work, and how can you benefit from it as a software publisher? Let's take a look at how this digital element can benefit you and your users.

Table of contents

What is a Software Publisher Certificate?
How do software publisher certificates work?
Benefits of Software Publisher Certificates
How to get a software publisher certificate?
What is a Software Publisher Certificate?
A software publisher certificate (SPC) , also known as a code signing certificate , is a digital authentication certificate that developers use to verify the legitimacy and integrity of their software products. It works by digitally “signing” the software with a unique cryptographic key , acting as a virtual seal that verifies the software’s authenticity.

SPC prevents cyber thieves from modifying digital applications and programs. This ensures end users that the software they download or install is genuine and comes from a trusted source.

How do software publisher certificates work?
Let's explain step by step how Software Publisher Certificates work.

Key generation and storage : As a software publisher, you create a cryptographic key pair— a private key and a corresponding public key. As of June 1, 2023, industry standards require that private keys be securely stored on hardware certified to provide high levels of security, such as hardware security modules (HSMs).
Software Signing : Before you release your mobile app development service software, you use the private key stored on the HSM to create a unique digital signature. This signature verifies that the software originated with you and has not been altered since it was signed.
Create a Certificate : A software publisher certificate containing your public key and identification information is included with your software.
User verification: When users install your software, their system automatically checks its SPC.
Signature Verification : The user's system uses the public key from the SPC to verify the digital signature. If they match, this confirms that the software is genuine and has not been tampered with.
Authenticity and Integrity Verification : Users can be confident that the software is original and safe.
Benefits of Software Publisher Certificates
Software publisher certificates improve software security, increase user trust, promote code integrity, and reduce malware risks by making software distribution easier. Let's see how these benefits can greatly improve your productivity and usability.




Increased Software Security : Integrating software publisher certificates increases the security of your software and maintains user trust by confirming its authenticity. This digital signature assures users that your software has been delivered intact from a trusted source.

Encryption scrambles the code into random characters, making it incomprehensible to potential hackers. Any unauthorized changes invalidate the certificate, and users receive prompt security alerts.
Increased user trust : SPC assures users that you have taken the necessary steps to protect your software from possible tampering or corruption. As a result, users are more likely to download, install, and consistently use your software, leading to increased user retention and loyalty.

Moreover, if you have an Extended Validity Code Signing Certificate , this trust factor sets you apart in the competitive software market. Operating systems such as Windows label your digital products as safe to use.
Simplifying the software distribution process : Another key benefit of software publisher certificates is their ability to simplify the distribution process of your software, ensuring efficient, secure and seamless delivery to end users across multiple platforms and devices.

This is achieved by associating a certificate with the software package, which then verifies the origin and checks the integrity of the content. As a result, SPC streamlines distribution and minimizes risks such as unauthorized modifications.
Promoting Code Integrity : Software publisher certificates use strong hash functions that create a unique digital fingerprint of the code. Any changes to the code result in a change in the hash value, immediately revealing potential integrity issues.