What are Extended Validation
Code Signing Certificates?
Extended Validation (EV) Code Signing Certificates include all the standard benefits of digitally signed code plus a rigorous vetting process and hardware security requirement, so your users can have even greater confidence in the integrity of your applications.
EV Code Signing Certificates provide:
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Two-Factor Authentication
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Time-Sensitive Signing
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Automatic Smartscreen® Reputation
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Support for Hardware Security Modules (HSM)
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Universal Platform Compatibility
An encrypted token containing the private key is stored on a USB device that you receive after you purchase your certificate. Only those who have the physical device can sign code with your EV code signing certificate, providing reinforced authentication and enhanced security.
Adding an optional timestamp means your signature lives on even after the original EV code signing certificate used to sign it has expired. Without a timestamp, your signature expires when the certificate expires, requiring you to re-sign your code.
Microsoft’s SmartScreen® Application Reputation filter reduces warning messages, increasing brand reputation and end-user trust.
EV code signing certificates can be installed on HSMs, giving you more control over your certificates and their private keys. Anyone in your organization with authorized access to the HSM can use the stored certificate
to sign code.
There is no need to reissue your certificate to sign code for a different platform (e.g., Authenticode, Kernel Mode, etc.)
Two-Factor Authentication
An encrypted token containing the private key is stored on a USB device that you receive after you purchase your certificate. Only those who have the physical device can sign code with your EV code signing certificate, providing reinforced authentication and enhanced security.
Time-Sensitive Signing
Adding an optional timestamp means your signature lives on even after the original EV code signing certificate used to sign it has expired. Without a timestamp, your signature expires when the certificate expires, requiring you to re-sign your code.
Automatic Smartscreen® Reputation
Microsoft’s SmartScreen® Application Reputation filter reduces warning messages, increasing brand reputation and end-user trust.
Support for Hardware Security Modules (HSM)
EV code signing certificates can be installed on HSMs, giving you more control over your certificates and their private keys. Anyone in your organization with authorized access to the HSM can use the stored certificate
to sign code.
Universal Platform Compatibility
There is no need to reissue your certificate to sign code for a different platform (e.g., Authenticode, Kernel Mode, etc.)
EV Code Signing Certificates are ideal for:
How EV Code Signing Works
Signing the code

Verifying the code

Compare DigiCert Code Signing Certificates
Trying to decide between a standard Code Signing Certificate and an EV Code Signing Certificate? Scan the chart below to help make your decision.
Product Features
Technical Specifications
Microsoft Authenticode®
Microsoft Office & Microsoft VBA
Microsoft Kernel-Mode Code Signing
Adobe® AIR®
Java®
Mozilla® Objects
Looking for more robust features? Compare all SSL certificates
Why Choose DigiCert for EV Code Signing?
Protect Your Customers
Code Signing Certificates allow your customers to verify that the code is authentic and has not been tampered with. DigiCert code signing protects your software against theft and malware.
Efficient Monitoring and Enforcement
When a piece of code is digitally signed, you can easily detect modified files. Additionally, code signed with a DigiCert timestamp tells a user that the code was signed with a valid certificate even after the actual code signing certificate expires.
Meet Partner Requirements
Your partners and the channels that distribute your software expect you to safeguard their valuable customers' data. Signing software shows commitment to their safety and is often a contractual requirement.
Maintain Brand Reputation
Your customers expect a smooth and professional installation process when they download your software. Digitally signed programs that avoid warning messages help keep your users safe and protects your brand.
Increased User Adoption
Downloading software usually requires caution, however, signing code helps avoid warning messages from browsers and builds trust in you as a publisher; this results in an increased adoption rate.
Simplified Certificate Installation
Using the free DigiCert® Certificate Utility for Windows you can turn the common obstacles of SSL CSR creation and SSL certificate installation into smoother and easier processes.
Award-Winning Customer Service
DigiCert has the best technical support team in the business, which means no long phone queues or wait times. We have support experts available 24/7 to answer any of your questions.
Supports All Major Platforms
DigiCert Code Signing Certificates let you to sign any code you want no matter what platform you’re using, including Microsoft Authenticode and Kernel Mode, Java files and applets, Apple applications, and Adobe AIR files.
Trusted Certificate Authority
For over a decade, DigiCert has been providing trusted SSL certificates, code signing certificates, and related SSL management tools to tens of thousands of the largest brands in the world.
Have Questions about EV Code
Signing Certificates?
Check out our support center for all things
EV Code Signing. You'll find:
Or call our award-winning support team for help: 1.801.701.9600
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