EV Code Signing Without Hardware Token – Is It Feasible?

In the world of software development, security is most important. EV code signing certificates provide trust in the software’s authenticity. To maintain security, a hardware token is issued by the certificate authority to store the private key for signing and timestamping.

Relying on a hardware token has its own challenges. For instance, if the token gets lost or the passcode is forgotten, it can cause significant headaches. To avoid these issues, some companies are looking for ways to handle EV code signing without being tied to a hardware token.

This detailed guide covers the essentials of EV Code Signing certificates and hardware tokens. You’ll discover how the system works, the importance of hardware tokens, and potential alternatives that match your code-signing requirements.

What Does EV Code Signing and Hardware Token Mean?

Extended Validation (EV) Code Signing stands at the top tier of digital code signing certificates. It gives your software distribution the highest level of trust and security. Your organization must pass thorough checks that verify its legitimacy, location, and active business status to get this enterprise-level certificate.

A Hardware Token (also known as USB token) keeps your certificate’s private key safe. This small, portable device comes with tamper-resistant features and powerful encryption that protects your signing credentials.

EV Code Signing Certificate comes with these key benefits:

• Immediate Microsoft SmartScreen reputation
• Required for signing Windows 10 drivers
• Verified company details displayed in the certificate
• Two-factor authentication security
• Tamper-resistant hardware for secure private key storage

Starting June 1, 2023, certified Hardware Security Modules (HSM) must store your private keys. These modules need to meet FIPS 140-2 level 2 or Common Criteria EAL 4+ standards. This security requirement blocks unauthorized access and makes it harder for malware developers to pose as legitimate organizations.

EV Code Signing and hardware tokens work together to create a secure system that shields your code and your organization’s reputation. Your private key stays isolated on the physical token, so you can only sign code when you have the device with you.

How EV Code Signing Certificate Works?

Developers need to understand EV Code Signing’s technical workflow to implement secure software distribution. The process uses a systematic approach that ensures your code’s maximum security and authenticity.

Step 1: Generating Hash

Your software goes through a hashing process that creates a unique hash value. This mathematical function produces a digital fingerprint of your code and verifies that nobody has tampered with your software after signing.

Step 2: Signing your Code

This vital phase requires you to use your private key (stored on the hardware token) to encrypt the hash digest. The process has these steps:

• Creating a digital signature using SHA-256 encryption
• Applying a timestamp for long-term validity
• Adding your verified organizational details

Step 3: Uploading

Your code moves to distribution platforms after signing. The signature and your certificate information stay permanently attached to the software. This creates an unbreakable connection between your identity and the code.

Step 4: Downloading

Your user’s systems verify these elements automatically:

• Your signature’s authenticity
• The code’s integrity through hash comparison
• Your organization’s identity through the EV certificate

FIPS 140-2 level 2 certified hardware security modules protect this process and keep your private key safe during all signing operations. This reliable security framework maintains your software’s reputation and your users’ trust.

Why Hardware Token is Important with EV Code Signing?

Hardware tokens are the cornerstone of modern code signing security infrastructure. In fact, storing private keys on FIPS 140-2 Level 2 certified hardware has become mandatory for all code signing certificates. This requirement highlights how important hardware-based security is today.

Your hardware token delivers these vital security benefits:

• Physical Security: The tamper-resistant design blocks unauthorized access.
• Non-exportable Keys: No one can copy or export private keys from the device.
• Access Control: The system lets only authorized personnel for signing operations.
• Audit Logging: The system tracks all key usage and access attempts.

The hardware token creates a protected space where your private key stays isolated from network threats. Your code signing capabilities remain safe even if someone compromises your development system. 

Buy EV Code Signing certificate with a hardware token implements two-factor authentication wherein you need the token itself, and you must know the PIN. This security approach substantially reduces unauthorized code signing risks.

These modules need to meet FIPS 140-2 level 2 and Common Criteria EAL 4+ standards. Your private key generation happens inside the token’s secure environment and stays there permanently. This protection is especially vital when you have to protect your software’s reputation and shield users from malicious code signed with stolen certificates.

Is EV Code Signing Without Hardware Token Possible?

EV Code Signing continues to evolve but the short answer is no – you can’t use EV Code Signing without hardware-based key storage. Microsoft and industry standards now require all private keys to be stored in FIPS 140-2 Level 2 certified hardware or equivalent from June 2023.

Traditional USB tokens aren’t your only option. Certificate providers now give you cloud-based signing solutions that stay compliant and eliminate physical hardware management needs. These solutions include:

• Cloud HSM Services: Your private keys stay secure in provider-managed hardware security modules
• Remote Signing Platforms: Code signing through secure APIs keeps keys in certified hardware
• Multi-User Solutions: Teams get controlled access with centralized key management

Cloud HSM solutions from DigiCert enable seamless integration into CI/CD pipelines, reducing time-to-market for software updates. These services match traditional hardware token security standards and make key management easier with better access.

Cloud HSM solutions create a practical balance. Your private keys stay protected in certified hardware modules. Your certificate provider handles physical management tasks. This setup keeps security compliance intact and makes your code signing workflow smoother.

Where to buy EV Code Signing Certificate?

SSL2BUY offers EV Code Signing Certificates from leading Certificate Authorities like Comodo, Sectigo, and DigiCert. These certificates are FIPS 140-2 Level 2 compliant, offering maximum security for software publishers. Below is a comparison of the certificates:

The certificate purchase process requires these key steps:

• Submit your organization’s details and documentation
• Go through the validation process
• Get your hardware token through secure shipping
• Set up your certificate using provided guidelines

SSL2Buy offers customer support through email and live chat. Note that you’ll need comprehensive organizational documentation to validate your request. Standard orders usually take 5-7 business days to process.

Conclusion

EV Code Signing certificates serve as a vital security measure for software distribution. These certificates need FIPS 140-2 Level 2 certified hardware storage for private keys. Traditional USB tokens remain standard, yet cloud-based HSM solutions provide a practical alternative that maintains security requirements.

The choice between physical tokens and cloud HSM depends on your organization’s needs. Physical tokens let you control your signing infrastructure completely. Cloud solutions make key management easier and enhance accessibility. Regardless of your choice, FIPS compliance safeguards your code signing operations and maintains the security standards of your software distribution chain.