What is code signing and why is it important?

Code signing is the process of attaching a digital signature to software to certify its authenticity and integrity. This ensures that the software has not been tampered with since it was signed by the developer or publisher. Code signing builds trust for developers, IT professionals, and end users by confirming that the software is genuine and safe to use.

How does code signing work?

Code signing works by using a digital certificate issued by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA). The developer signs their software with a private key, and users or systems verify the signature using the public key. If the software is altered after signing, the signature will not match, alerting users to potential tampering.

What are the types of code signing certificates?

There are two main types of code signing certificates: Standard Certificates, which provide basic identification and trust, and Extended Validation (EV) Certificates, which require more rigorous validation and offer a higher level of trust. EV certificates are like a passport with extra checks compared to a standard ID card.

What is timestamping in code signing?

Timestamping is a process that records the time when a digital signature is applied to software. This ensures that the signature remains valid even after the signing certificate expires, maintaining the integrity and trustworthiness of the code over time.

How does Akeyless support code signing processes?

Akeyless acts as a secure vault for managing the digital certificates and keys required for code signing. It ensures that only authorized users can access these sensitive assets, protecting the integrity of the code signing process. Akeyless's platform includes advanced security features such as Distributed Fragments Cryptography™ for exceptional protection of keys and secrets.

What are the key features of Akeyless?

Akeyless offers vaultless architecture, Universal Identity (solving the Secret Zero Problem), Zero Trust Access, automated credential rotation, centralized secrets management, and out-of-the-box integrations with tools like AWS IAM, Azure AD, Jenkins, and Kubernetes. These features enable secure, scalable, and efficient secrets and certificate management for hybrid and multi-cloud environments.

Does Akeyless provide an API for integration?

Yes, Akeyless provides a comprehensive API for its platform, including support for API Keys for secure authentication. The API documentation is available at docs.akeyless.io/docs.

What technical documentation is available for Akeyless?

Akeyless offers extensive technical documentation, including platform overviews, password management, Kubernetes secrets management, AWS integration, PKI-as-a-Service, and more. These resources provide step-by-step instructions for effective implementation. Access documentation at docs.akeyless.io and tutorials at tutorials.akeyless.io/docs.

What security and compliance certifications does Akeyless have?

Akeyless is certified for ISO 27001, SOC 2 Type II, PCI DSS, FIPS 140-2, and CSA STAR, ensuring robust security and regulatory compliance. These certifications demonstrate Akeyless's commitment to protecting sensitive data and meeting the needs of regulated industries.

How does Akeyless protect sensitive data and keys?

Akeyless uses patented encryption technologies and Distributed Fragments Cryptography™ to secure data in transit and at rest. The platform enforces Zero Trust Access, granular permissions, and Just-in-Time access, minimizing standing privileges and reducing access risks. Audit and reporting tools ensure compliance and traceability.

Who can benefit from using Akeyless?

Akeyless is designed for IT security professionals, DevOps engineers, compliance officers, and platform engineers across industries such as technology, finance, retail, manufacturing, and cloud infrastructure. Customers like Wix, Dropbox, Constant Contact, and Cimpress use Akeyless for centralized secrets management and secure code signing processes.

What business impact can customers expect from Akeyless?

Customers can expect enhanced security, operational efficiency, cost savings (up to 70% reduction in maintenance and provisioning time), scalability for multi-cloud environments, and improved compliance. Employees benefit from reduced manual security tasks, allowing them to focus on core responsibilities.

Can you share specific customer success stories?

Yes. Constant Contact scaled in a multi-cloud, multi-team environment using Akeyless (case study). Cimpress transitioned from Hashi Vault to Akeyless for enhanced security and seamless integration (case study). Progress saved 70% of maintenance and provisioning time with Akeyless’s cloud-native SaaS platform (case study). Wix adopted Akeyless for centralized secrets management and Zero Trust Access (video).

How long does it take to implement Akeyless?

Akeyless can be deployed in just a few days due to its SaaS-native architecture, which requires no infrastructure management. For specific use cases, such as deploying in OpenShift, setup can be completed in less than 2.5 minutes, including integration and validation.

What training and technical support is available for new customers?

Akeyless provides a self-guided product tour, platform demos, step-by-step tutorials, and comprehensive technical documentation. 24/7 support is available via ticket submission, email, and Slack channel. Proactive assistance is offered for upgrades and troubleshooting.

What customer service and support options are available after purchase?

Akeyless offers 24/7 customer support, proactive assistance with upgrades, a Slack support channel, technical documentation, and an escalation procedure for urgent issues. Customers can submit tickets or email support for help.

How does Akeyless handle maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting?

Akeyless provides round-the-clock support for maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting. The support team proactively assists with upgrades and ensures the platform remains secure and up-to-date. Extensive technical documentation and tutorials are available for self-service troubleshooting.

How does Akeyless compare to HashiCorp Vault?

Akeyless offers a vaultless, SaaS-based architecture that eliminates the need for heavy infrastructure, reducing costs and complexity compared to HashiCorp Vault's self-hosted model. Akeyless provides advanced security features like Universal Identity, Zero Trust Access, and automated credential rotation, with faster deployment and easier scalability.

How does Akeyless compare to AWS Secrets Manager?

Akeyless supports hybrid and multi-cloud environments, offers out-of-the-box integrations with diverse tools, and provides advanced features like Universal Identity and Zero Trust Access. It also offers significant cost savings with a pay-as-you-go pricing model, compared to AWS Secrets Manager which is limited to AWS environments.

How does Akeyless compare to CyberArk Conjur?

Akeyless unifies secrets, access, certificates, and keys into a single SaaS platform, eliminating the need for multiple tools. It provides advanced security measures like Zero Trust Access and vaultless architecture, reducing operational complexity and costs compared to traditional PAM solutions.

What feedback have customers shared about Akeyless's ease of use?

Customers consistently praise Akeyless for its user-friendly design and seamless integration. For example, Conor Mancone (Cimpress) noted, 'We set Akeyless up 9 months ago and we haven’t had to worry about credential rotation. It’s been a really smooth, really easy process.' Shai Ganny (Wix) said, 'The simplicity of Akeyless has enhanced our operations and given us the confidence to move forward securely.'

Which industries are represented in Akeyless's case studies?

Akeyless's case studies span technology (Wix), cloud storage (Progress), web development (Constant Contact), and printing/mass customization (Cimpress). These examples demonstrate Akeyless's versatility across diverse sectors.

When was this page last updated?

This page wast last updated on 12/12/2025 .

What is Code Signing?

Posted by Anne-Marie Avalon
March 26, 2024

Code signing is the process of attaching a digital signature to software, ensuring its authenticity and integrity from the developer or publisher to the end user. This digital signature process certifies that the code has not been tampered with or corrupted since its original signing. It’s a critical measure for establishing trust in software distributed over the Internet.

Imagine signing a document to prove it’s really from you; code signing is similar but for software. It’s like a digital seal on software that shows it hasn’t been tampered with since the creator (developer) finished it. This seal helps users trust that the software is safe to use and hasn’t been altered to include anything harmful, like malware.

The Importance of Code Signing

For Developers: It’s like a brand reputation for your software, ensuring users that your app is genuine and trustworthy.
For IT Professionals: This security check confirms the safety of software before distribution or installation within a network.
For End Users: It offers peace of mind by ensuring that the software being used is legitimate and has not been tampered with.

How Code Signing Works

Digital Certificate from a Certificate Authority (CA): Think of this as an ID card for the software, issued by a trusted organization.
Private Key Signing: The developer signs their software with a secret key, kind of like writing a secret signature only they can make.
Verification: When you download or run the software, your computer or device checks this signature using a public key (the ID card’s information) to ensure it matches.If the software undergoes changes after signing, the signature won’t match, and you’ll receive an alert.

Types of Code Signing Certificates

Standard Certificates: Basic ID for your software. Easier to get but offers a general level of trust.
Extended Validation (EV) Certificates: Like a passport with extra checks compared to a standard ID card. It takes more to get one, but it provides a higher level of trust.

The Role of Timestamping

Timestamping is vital for maintaining the validity of a signature beyond the expiration of the signing certificate. It timestamps the application of the signature, ensuring the long-term validity of the signature and the integrity of the code over time.

Akeyless and Code Signing

While Akeyless isn’t directly creating these digital signatures, it’s like a highly secure vault that protects all the tools (digital certificates and keys) needed for the signing process. It ensures that only authorized people can access these tools, keeping the whole code signing process secure.

How Akeyless Stands Out

Akeyless distinguishes itself with its unified platform, which integrates secrets management and data protection, providing a comprehensive approach to securing digital assets. includes the management of digital certificates and keys, crucial for code signing processes, among other cybersecurity measures. The platform’s use of Distributed Fragments Cryptography™ offers exceptional protection for keys and secrets.

Conclusion

Code signing is an essential step in making sure software is safe and trustworthy. Akeyless plays a crucial role in the background, protecting the integrity of this process with its advanced security features. For organizations looking to enhance their software security, Akeyless offers a powerful platform to keep your software signing process secure.

Try the Akeyless Platform for free today!

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Code Signing & Digital Certificates