In a world where almost everything runs on software, protecting one's information is crucial. This is easily achieved using code signing, regardless of whether it is for a company or personal use. Secure code signing is the process of signing a piece of software digitally to ensure users are safe because the software identifies them and verifies that no alterations have been made on the software since its initial publishing. Experts recognize the need for such a signing process and would always recommend it as a safety precaution.
Code signing processes are among the safest ways to protect an organization's content. The question, therefore, is not whether the code signing process is essential but on how well to achieve it. Many companies suffer from code signing issues, but most cases are not always with the signing process itself. Problems arising from this process may affect the effective signing process. The process is one of the safest and most vouched for security measures. However, it is how you do this process that makes a fundamental difference.
Fortunately, you can always get over the code signing problem in a number of ways. Consider the suggestions below to improve the chances of your company coming on top of the situation.
1. Working On Your Company's Global Visibility
The infosec team of every company must attain visibility for their company if they are to hack the code signing challenges. Before a company is given appropriate code signing certificates and cleared for the same, much work goes into this. First, you must understand the code that you will be signing.It does not matter what the code's purpose is and whether it is to work internally or externally. The other crucial information one must-have is the code signing certification in use regardless of the certifying authority involved. You also need to know the person appending the signature and if the sign is machine-generated, in which case you must know the signing tool in use. Lastly, the other crucial piece of information, in this case, knows who appended the signature if a human did it.
2. Securing all the Central Code Signing Private Keys
The second move when securing the code signing process involves moving all private keys away from build servers, developers' computers, sticky notes, and web servers, to mention a few. If you are storing the private keys, make sure the location is encrypted, centralized, and secure.
At no point should the private keys leave such a location. Customize the storage options for the developers depending on the code signing certificate in use. In some instances, the compliance rules dictate the specific area of secure storage.
3. Automating Policy Enforcement and Definition
Most development teams shun using corporate security policies simply because these policies are often built on manual practices that are cumbersome. In most cases, such a move is counter-intuitive for DevOps that must develop at specific speeds or even match reasonably profitable scales. More often than not, manual processes are not a match for most projects.
Consequently, it helps if the code signing process accommodates each department's needs and offers them the flexibility of defining their code signing policies. This makes it possible for the different departments to determine their workflows and support the organization's overall productivity.
Some of the independent roles should include deciding who to sign the code, which tool to use for the process, the acceptable certification, and who offers approvals. What's more, most of the concerns must be automated to support workflow systems. Any form of integration must also work seamlessly for the overall success of the system.
4. The Goal is to Eliminate Obstacles by Offering Solutions, Not Creating Them
Most software development teams are burdened by the entire process of code signing management. Everything from code signing certificate requests to the normal development process can be burdensome. It proves that developers need a solution that is void of complex processes when you think about it. The process must not involve a significant rewriting of build scripts, new tools learning, and installation of memory-resident programs. Make sure the process is as simple as it gets.5. Prioritize Showing Compliance
Your primary role is to ensure that your company info is safe. Top on the list is the code signing details. Part of the process is to prove your success in attaining the end goal. You must show that the code signing process is secured throughout the industry. This is easily achieved by understanding the code signing procedure and having it in the record.
It involves knowing where all the private key storage is and understanding that policies are enforced. What this does is enhance compliance. Any company that follows these practices is almost guaranteed the correct code signing procedures.
Final Thoughts
While some processes can easily be avoided or substituted, code signing security procedures are not some of these. Certain things have to be done for an organization to ensure the procedures they use within the institution. Everything from protecting the private keys to focusing on compliance and monitoring the entire process will keep the organization's operations secure. After all, in a world where software usage is expected, one cannot afford to slacken or put one's guard down.
