Given the alarming rise in software supply chain attacks and consumers growing more cyber-aware and security-conscious, software providers need to demonstrate a stronger commitment to securing their software and applications and fostering user confidence and trust. One of the vital security measures taken in this direction is the use of code signing certificates to prove software authenticity, integrity and security.
Code signing certificates, used for digitally signing applications and software, are an integral part of the secure software development process. These certificates help identify and authenticate a software provider or publisher to the end users and consumers. Software appended with a digital signature from a code signing certificate indicates that the code has not been altered or tampered with since it was signed. Users can trust that the software comes from a legitimate source, and, therefore, is safe to use. In addition to promoting user trust, code signing helps strengthen software supply chain security, ensure compliance, and build brand reputation.
While code signing is an essential and effective security practice, its effectiveness hinges on proper management of code signing certificates and keys. Typically, the responsibility of storing and managing code signing certificates falls upon DevOps teams. However, as developers are hyper-focused on the rapid and agile pace of software development and delivery, securely managing code signing keys and certificates is often an afterthought. As a result, private keys and code signing certificates often end up stored insecurely on local machines and build servers. On the other hand, security teams hardly have any visibility into or control over code signing keys and certificates, making it difficult for them to prevent vulnerabilities or ensure compliance.
Mismanaged code signing certificates and keys can lead to certificate expiry and compromises that can often go undetected for a long time, posing significant risks to the security and integrity of software. Here are some common risks associated with expired and compromised code signing certificates.
The dangers associated with using expired or compromised code signing certificates are too significant to be overlooked, especially in light of the increasing rate of software supply chain threats (Sonatype recorded twice as many software supply chain attacks as the combined total from 2019-2022!) and code signing becoming a soft target. Given how vital code signing certificates are to ensuring the integrity and security of software, it is imperative to implement secure code signing processes to safeguard the software supply chain and uphold user trust.
Implementing secure code signing starts with understanding the best practices. Read this blog to learn about Seven Code Signing Best Practices You Need to Know to practice secure code signing without undermining the speed and agility of modern-day DevOps.
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*** This is a Security Bloggers Network syndicated blog from Blogs Archive - AppViewX authored by Krupa Patil. Read the original post at: https://www.appviewx.com/blogs/beware-of-expired-or-compromised-code-signing-certificates/