Code Signing in Java - The Role of Java Code Signing Certificates
It is no news that our world has gone digital. Most of our activities are facilitated by carrying them out online. This has made it pertinent for everyone to have access to mobile devices where they can download the necessary software applications to carry out activities. These software applications help us in making electronic devices, staying connected with our loved ones, shopping, entertaining ourselves, etc.
With these kinds of technological advancements and the availability of software applications come great risks. The reason is that most hackers can gain access to people's data through these software applications when securities are not put in place. Java code signing certificates are vital in digital security and software development. It is the digital seal of approval that shows that a publisher and their software are authentic and secure for people to use. So, let us get into the meaning of Java code signing certificates before we look at their roles.
What is a Java code signing certificate?
A Java Code Signing Certificate is a digital certificate. Developers or publishers use it to sign their applets, java applications, and other extensions. With this code signing certificate, the software can easily be trusted and seen as secure and from a legitimate source because it has a unique digital signature. A Java code signing certificate verifies the origin of software and ensures that it has not been tampered with by any third party. The code signing SSL also helps to keep things secure.
The developer or publisher of a code signing certificate creates a unique digital signature for the application using private keys. The digital signature, public key, and relevant information are embedded into the Java application by using the certificate. Anytime someone, usually the user of a Java application wants to run the signed application, the Java Runtime Environment [JRE] verifies the digital signature. Upon a successful verification, the JRE lets the application run.
Roles of Code Signing Certificates
Code signing certificates play a crucial role when it comes to the success of a software application, applet, and other extensions. Some of these roles include:
Authenticity: The first role and reason for using a Java code signing certificate is to enhance security and trust. How many times have you tried accessing a website and immediately you notice that the padlock sign is missing, there is no HTTPS and you even get a warning, you immediately exit the website? The reason you do that is because there is no security and you do not trust the website. The same goes for a software application, java applications, or applets that do not have a Java code signing certificate.
When an application has a Java code signing certificate in place, it helps to prove the identity of the publisher or software developer. It lets people know the origin of the software which in turn builds trust. They let users or potential clients know that there is no malware on the application that can harm them. So, users can freely and easily use an application without any fear.
User's trust: Hackers or cyber attackers are constantly looking for ways to hack devices, applications, or websites to access data for their illegal use. With news on hacking on the increase, there has been increased mistrust in accessing or downloading any software application. It is now important that developers and publishers do all that they can to increase users trust which will in turn make users use their software application.
Having software that has a code signing certificate which makes use of code signing SSL to keep it secure is necessary. Any user who sees a signed application knows that the software has undergone review and verification by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA). It increases the credibility of the software and the user's confidence because they see the Java code signed certificate.
Compliance with Industry Standards: A lot of industries, like the healthcare sector (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA) or the European Union (General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR), have industry-specific security standards and requirements that need to be followed. By confirming the integrity and legitimacy of their software, Java code signing certificates can assist enterprises in proving that they adhere to these requirements.
Increased market acceptance: Browsers, operating systems, application stores, corporate networks, and other distribution channels have security standards. These security standards placed by these distribution channels are sometimes seen as barriers because when you do not meet the standard your application will not be accepted.
An application that has a Java code signing certificate has leverage because it assures these distribution channels that the application is secure. It ensures that complex security provisions have been met. So, with the availability of these applications on these distribution channels, there is increased market acceptance and opportunity to reach more users and potential clients. Thereby, increasing the download rates of the application.
Integrity: Another vital role that a code signing certificate plays when it comes to the success of a software or web application, or applet is integrity. It protects applications from tampering and unauthorized code modifications done by third parties or hackers. Any modifications that are carried out are easily detectable. The reason is that the verification process will fail because of the modification carried out on the application which will cause the modification to be flagged because it will indicate potential risk. This makes it easy for software developers or publishers to maintain the integrity of the application.
Malware protection: Some security breaches occur during the distribution of a software application. This is because the application has been tampered with by hackers or malicious third parties. A code signing certificate protects the software and guides against the distribution of malicious software. This is possible because digital signatures verify the authenticity of the code and application.
Improved user experience: So many users are skeptical of using software applications. Most of them share that the reason is that they are scared and worried about security risks. Software that has a Java code signing certificate puts the minds of users at rest. It provides a seamless and secure software installation process. No warning signs about how unsafe the application is will pop up. The reason is that the code signing certificate removes the unknown publisher or unsigned warning from popping up. Users can also trust that the application they are about to install on their devices. The reason is that it has already been vetted which makes it safe for them to use without fear.
How to Sign Java.jar Files in 2 Simple Steps with the Jarsigner Command Tool
Signing a software with a java code signing certificate is easy when you follow these steps:
Step 1: Type the subsequent command into the command prompt:
jarsigner -tsa http://timestamp.digicert.com -keystore c:\path\to\your\keystore.jks -storepass YourPassword c:\path\to\your\file.jar YourAlias
Note:
Enter your keystore password in place of YourPassword.
Change YourAlias to the alias that was given to you when the CSR was generated.
Step 2: Use the command prompt to confirm that your code was signed successfully by running this command:
Jarsigner -verbose -verify -certs c:\path\to\your\file.Jar
The code was correctly signed when you see an output with the details listed below:
s = The signature was confirmed
Conclusion
Java code signing certificates play vital roles in security, trust, and smooth user experience. Java code signing certificates can be bought from Oracle, Comodo, and Symantec. It gives publishers the right to choose a Sectigo code signing certificate to secure their software. Developers usually have to go to a CA that offers digital certificates to buy a Java Code Signing Certificate. Before granting the certificate, the CA confirms the certificate holder's identity. Comodo, Thawte, and VeriSign are a few well-known CAs. Java code is then signed and used throughout the development and distribution phases.
