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Automating Code Signing: Secure Signing of Software without Worries

Do you need to automate software signing in your development process? We bring an overview of three secure and modern solutions that you can easily integrate into your CI/CD pipeline - whether you use HSM, DigiCert cloud services, or enterprise key management tools.

Digital Code Signing is a Necessity, but it Needs to be Automated

Digital signing of software is essential for user trust and protection against unauthorized code modifications. With the development of DevOps and CI/CD processes, there is an increasing demand for Code Signing Automation - signing software without the need for manual intervention. SSLmarket offers three modern and secure ways to achieve this.

SSLmarket offers you three perfect Code Signing automation options:

Below we introduce the individual code signing automation options and their key advantages.

Certificate Stored on HSM (e.g., Azure Key Vault, Google Cloud KMS)

Storing a code signing certificate on a Hardware Security Module (HSM) is a classic but still very secure solution. When using Azure Key Vault or Google Cloud KMS, the certificate is stored in a highly secure environment accessible only to authorized processes.

Advantages:

  • Security first: The private key never leaves the HSM and is protected against export.
  • Integration with Azure DevOps and other CI/CD tools: Signing can be easily incorporated into the build pipeline.
  • Flexibility: Support for various cloud-based HSM solutions (Azure, Google Cloud).
  • Signing costs: Azure and Google cloud HSM have no fixed costs; you only pay for the signatures, and they are inexpensive.

This option is suitable for teams already working in the cloud looking for a fully automated yet self-managed solution.

More about using a Code Signing certificate with Azure Key Vault HSM can be found in the article Code Signing using Azure Key Vault. For Google Cloud KMS, you can find a guide in the article Code Signing using Google Cloud KMS.

DigiCert KeyLocker

DigiCert KeyLocker is a cloud service specifically designed for the secure storage and use of code signing certificates. KeyLocker offers centralized key management and supports their use within build processes.

Advantages:

  • Quick deployment without the need for HSM: Everything runs in the cloud under the management of DigiCert.
  • Easy integration: Support for tools like Jenkins, Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions.
  • High security: Certificates are protected in accordance with CA/B Forum requirements.

KeyLocker is an ideal choice for developers and smaller teams who want to automate signing without unnecessary infrastructure investments.

Details about DigiCert KeyLocker can be found in its product detail.

DigiCert Software Trust Manager

For companies with extensive development teams and complex release processes, there is DigiCert Software Trust Manager (STM). This is a comprehensive platform for managing the entire lifecycle of code signing certificates - from application, through approval, to signing.

Advantages:

  • Centralized signing management: Roles, permissions, approval processes, and audit logs.
  • Enterprise-level automation: Direct integration with CI/CD tools and build servers.
  • Support for all major platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, mobile applications, and IoT firmware.

Software Trust Manager is a solution for corporations that emphasize access control, auditability, and compliance with internal security rules.

More information about DigiCert Software Trust Manager can be found in the product detail.

Conclusion

Automating software signing increases security and development efficiency. Whether you choose a simple HSM in your cloud, the convenient DigiCert KeyLocker, or the robust Software Trust Manager, SSLmarket will help you with implementation.

If you are not sure which option is best for you, contact us - we will be happy to advise you on the selection and technical integration.

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