If you, like me, ever need to sign your executable tool or document using a code signing certificate, this guide may be helpful. In this post, I will tell you how to sign your executable using Certum’s SimplySign.
When searching for code signing certificate providers, one of the options is Certum. They offer some of the most affordable certificates (although still expensive). I needed to sign my freeware tool, AFT SonicDecloner, to distribute it to users and prevent it from triggering Windows notifications like “unverified program” or being flagged by antivirus software.
Certum provides a way to sign applications without any hardware tokens or readers. Instead, they offer a desktop tool called SimplySign, which you can install on Windows. It acts like a hardware reader, making your certificate available in Windows.
Here is the procedure:
1. Purchase a Code Signing Certificate
First, you need to register with Certum and purchase one of their Cloud Code Signing certificates—either regular or EV (Extended Validation). EV implies extended verification and is the most expensive option. The EV certificate cost me €379 for one year (as of the end of 2024).
2. Complete Identity Verification
Once purchased, you will need to go through an identity verification process, during which you will be requested to present various documents proving your identity. You will also need to pass a live presence test—an automated procedure using a webcam. The entire process takes about one week.
3. Activate Your Certificate
After your certificate is … >>> Click to read the full post...