What’s a Code Signing Badge? Why do you need it? Where to Get it?

A code signing badge is a seal that authenticates the legitimacy of a website. If you are up to know more, read ahead!

As the use of the internet is increasing at an alarming rate, software and app security have become a paramount concern. As per stats, the average ransomware payment surged by 82%, which is up to $570,000 in 2021. One may argue that ransomware is related to software security. We would like to tell you that ransomware is a type of malicious software.

Though ransomware is not the only way software can affect your machine. If you download software from a website that does not code signs their software, it can be considered dangerous.

Hackers and cyber thieves often use fake software to get into your PC. These are primarily spread by third-party websites. However, if the website software is code signed or digitally signed, then it can be trusted.

Software signed using a code signing certificate ensures that the software is safe to use and comes from a legitimate source or website. Code signing is one way to ensure that the software is safe. Another way is the code signing badge. So what is it? How does it work? Let’s read ahead and find out!

What is a Code Signing Badge?

When it comes to ensuring the legitimacy of the website, there is one way via which it becomes super-fast and easy, the code signing badge.

A code signing badge is a visual mark or a seal, just like a sticker on the website, to inform the users that they are on a legitimate site. If you are downloading software from the website, you can rest assured that they are selling you safe software.

Just like a code signing certificate, the code signing badge is also supplied by a third-party or certificate authority. One more important thing about a code signing badge is that it ensures the latest encryption and security standards.

Why Do You Need a Code Signing Badge?

When it comes to code signing badge, there are numerous reasons to get and so are the benefits. Here are some of them!

User trust

One of the most important pros of a code signing badge is trust. Whenever a user sees a code signing badge on a website, they don’t have to look any further to ensure software safety and security. Having a code signing badge on your website helps enhance user trust.

Elevated number of downloads

This point is directly proportional to the previous one. It is obvious that if the users have trust in your website, they are sure to get software from your website. This, in turn, boosts the number of downloads.

Information security

If you are a frequent online visitor or user, you must be using websites where you might have shared your personal information. Now, if that website has a code signing badge on it, it is sure-fire to protect your information, as it must have a strong encryption mechanism too.

Increased organic traffic

If your website has a genuine code signing badge on it, it will be trusted on the web by every user. With the use of a code signing badge certificate, you can skyrocket the traffic volume on your website, especially the organic traffic. You won’t have to spend a penny on paid traffic if your website has a code signing badge security.

Revenue boost

Lastly, when you have a website that has a code signing badge on it, it will surely attract new users to download your software, and hence there will be a visible boost in the revenue of your business.

Is the Code Signing Badge the same as the Code Signing Certificate?

No, if you think they are the same, you are mistaken. A code signing certificate is way different than a code signing badge.

A code signing certificate is used to sign the software to ensure that the users do not face any unusual warning on their PC. Moreover, a code-signed software ensures that your machine does not get infected by any malware.

On the other hand, a code signing badge is a seal placed on a website that acts as proof that the website is legitimate and that it is safe to download its software.

So, there is a visible difference between a code signing certificate and a code signing badge.

Where to place the Code Signing Badge?

Now, the use of a code signing badge is not just about getting it. There is an important aspect of a code signing badge, and that is its placement on the website.

Ideally, it is best to place the badge in places where the users can see it easily. Secondly, it is necessary to place it somewhere the users tend to think about the security of the website.

There are two places where you can place the badge.

  • The checkout page: If you sell software, it is best to place the badge on the checkout page. As the customer’s mind may question the security of the website while adding their payment information, the badge will be a great trust builder for them to share their information.
  • The landing page: This is where the personal information of the user is asked, and users tend to question the legitimacy of the website. Hence, placing the code signing badge here can be an awesome way to boost leads. Place it near the CTA to make it pop out.

How to get the Code Signing Badge?

There are no special steps to get a code signing badge. Once you buy code signing certificate like Certera, COMODO, or Sectigo, for your website, you usually get a code signing badge free. However, based on the brand, the type of plan may play a crucial role here.

To display your code signing badge on the website, you can use and alter the following code.

Code

<div class=”siteseal” style=”text-align:center”> <div class=”siteseal-img”> <a href=”website address” ><img src=”file name,jpg” alt=”Code Signer Badge” /></a> </div> </div>

Conclusion

In an abstract, we can say that a code signing badge is an excellent tool to make your audience aware that they are on the right page and are not getting scammed in any way. No matter if it is an eCommerce website or a simple business website, you can fearlessly ask for the personal information of the user if you have a badge on your website. It ensures safety, data security, and legitimacy, and you can even get it free from a certificate authority or a third-party website.

Guest article written by: Anna Shipman is a Cyber Security Consultant with a strong technical background and experience with a high analytical skillset. She has been involved in the information security industry for more than a decade. In her free time, we find her helping small and medium businesses strengthen their information security infrastructure.