12/28/2019 by admin with 0 comments

Code Signing vs SSL Certificate

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Last Updated on August 25, 2020 by admin

What is the difference between Code Signing and SSL Certificates

A code signing certificate is similar to an SSL certificate, both are used to sign some data to prove that the data is not compromised i.e. protecting the end-users from becoming a victim of cybercrime.

 

But being similar and the same are to different things. So let us clarify this in the beginning itself that a Code Signing Certificate and SSL Certificate are NOT the same!! Now before we learn about the differences between these, let us first understand what are these?

 

Code Signing Certificate –

 

A code signing certificate is the process of digitally signing applications, digital programs, etc. to provide a guarantee to the user which ensures his security to cyberattacks. In the code signing certificate, a confirmation of the real software publisher is done and then the name is displayed.

 

It also ensures that the piece of the software which the users are downloading does not contain any malicious hack or is tampered, thereby protecting the user from falling prey to malicious hackers.

 

Secure Sockets Layer –

 

Whereas, an SSL certificate is a digital certificate that proves the authenticity of a website, web-application, etc. and encrypts the information being sent to the web-server.

 

The encrypted data can only be decrypted by the intended end-user and no third party can have access to that information.

 

Let us first discuss some similarities between code signing certificate and SSL certificate that are the reasons for people often confusing and thinking them as the same.

 

Similarities between Code Signing and SSL Certificate –

 

The similarities between the two are as follows –

• Both SSL and Code signing certificates are digital certificates that are used for security against cyberattacks and malicious hackers.

 

• Public Key Infrastructure is used in both.

 

• If a website or an application has an absence of these a warning a displayed on the screen of the user.

These are the only similarities between the two. Hence, confusing them for one should not there as the differences are poles apart.

 

Differences between Code Signing and SSL Certificate –

 

The differences between the two are mentioned below –

• An SSL certificate used for only websites, whereas a Code signing certificate is used applications, device drivers, downloadable software, scripts, etc.

 

• An SSL certificate is mainly of three types – Domain Validated, Organization Validated and Extended Validated. The Code-signing certificate, on the other hand, is of two types – Organization Validated and Extended Validated.

 

• A Code signing certificate is far more expensive compared to an SSL certificate. Hence, the certificates should be bought considering many defining factors.

 

• Once the SSL certificate expires the website visitors will see an error message is displayed on their screens, whereas in Code Signing certificate if the software is signed using time-stamping, even after expiring the digital signature will be displayed on the software.

 

• A code signing certificate does not come with warranties, whereas the purchaser is assured in an SSL certificate with a warranty.

 

These are some of the main differences which make Code signing certificate and a Secure Sockets Layer certificate different from one another. Now having known the differences between them one can easily spot them out if asked to do so.