Code signing is an important security feature that attests software is secure, authentic, and not altered by hackers. Code signing validates a software download can be installed with assurance and is safe to download.
However, what then happens when a certificate expires? Users will start getting warnings, installation will not function, and, in extreme cases, will not even permit them to run your software. These can breed uncertainty, annoyance, and loss of trust in your software. In the long run, it can hurt your business and trust in your software.
To avoid such complications, disposal of such outdated certificates is critical. This article will present simple and effective steps for managing expired code signing certificates.
1. Check If Your Certificate Has Expired
The first and most critical stage in resolving an out-of-date code sign certificate is checking its validity. Code sign certificates have an expiration date, and when your software approaches that date, your software will no longer function to sign your software. Users will have security warnings when your software is installed when a certificate expires. Security warnings will discourage them, and your software will become a security problem for them.
It’s important to regularly check your certificate status in a manner that will allow you to evade such complications. There are software such as a certificate manager tool or a sign tool for codes such as a sign tool for Microsoft, OpenSSL, etc., through which one can access your certificate’s date of expiration and verify whether your certificate is in use and current.
If your certificate is soon to expire, act promptly and have your certificate renewed. Besides, contact companies dealing in code signing and have your certificate renewed on time.
By proactively checking your certificate, any security warnings will not spring a surprise, and your software will become dependable for your users. Monitoring when your certificate will run out will make your installations go off seamlessly and secure your app’s integrity.
2. Renew Your Code Signing Certificate Early
Renewing your certificate of code signing in a timely manner, even when it is not yet expiring, keeps your software in trust and your installation processes free of security warnings. Having an outdated certificate can slow down your installations and erode trust in your app, and it is best avoided at all times. Starting early, your certificate can be renewed, your distribution can go unimpacted, and your software can have a secure trust level.
The renewal begins with selecting a trustful Certificate Authority (CA) such as DigiCert, Sectigo, or GlobalSign. They will verify your identity and issue new certificates for your software to sign your software in a secure environment. Once a trustful CA is selected, a Certificate Signing Request (CSR), a file confirming your identity, and a request for a new certificate must be generated. Once a CSR is generated, submit it with your trustful CA for approval.
Once you have your new certificate, the final stage is downloading and deploying it in your sign tool. That will sign any future software updates and new releases with an updated certificate, and security warnings will no longer occur.
3. Use Timestamping to Keep Signatures Valid
Even after an expiration date for a code signing certificate, your signed software can still be trusted when timestamping is utilized. Timestamping keeps your digital signature current and valid by demonstrating that your software was signed when your certificate was in force. Timestamping keeps security warnings at bay and enables your software to be installed and executed with no problem.
Sign your software with a reliable timestamping authority (TSA) to apply timestamping. It embeds a secure date and timestamp in your signature, and your certificate will stand its integrity even when it expires. With timestamping, your software will enjoy long-term trust and security.
4. Re-sign Your Software with a New Certificate
Suppose your code sign certificate expired and timestamping wasn’t performed. In that case, your software can generate security warnings for your users and, in extreme cases, even deny their software installation. In such a case, re-signing your software with a new certificate is your only recourse for regaining trust and usability. Re-signing your software validates your application and makes your installation go through effortlessly.
First, to re-sign your software, obtain a new codesign certificate from a trustworthy certificate authority (CA) such as DigiCert, Sectigo, or GlobalSign. With your new certificate, use a sign tool such as Microsoft’s SignTool to apply a new digital stamp with a timestamp to prevent future complications.
After re-signing, run your software through testing to ensure it works perfectly, and then re-release your new software to your users. By taking these actions, trust is not compromised, and security warnings will not affect your application.
5. Automate Certificate Management
Managing code signing certificates can be tedious and perilous, particularly when an expiration date slips through unnoticed. Automated certificate management is best to avert future complications caused by outdated certificates. With automation, tracking for when your certificate will run out, timely renewal, and lessens security warnings interfering with your software.
A certificate management platform helps you receive certificate renewal alerts and effectively organize your certificates. Some even have an automated certificate installation and renewal feature, offering continuous security. Certificate management automation helps you have your software trusted, secure, and convenient.
Final Thought
Handling expired code signing certificates doesn’t have to be a problem. It is a case of acting promptly, timely certificate renewal, and timestamping.
By taking these simple steps, your programs will become secure, and users will trust them and have an easier installation path.
