the process of publishing new software takes an enormous amount of work, and the outcome is dependent on the use of it. Publishing the software does not assure the software will get popularly used. Microsoft SmartScreen Filter is one of the most difficult obstacles to overcome by any new software on its quest for success.
What’s the Microsoft SmartScreen Filter?
Microsoft SmartScreen is a security function provided by Windows. It is a security feature of the Windows operating system. It assists users spot phishing and malware websites, and also provides important information on the program they download. Unfortunately, the SmartScreen feature may cause problems even for legitimate, secure developers, and can be quite painful.
You’ve done a great job in promoting your product and a client downloads your application, but it appears as a sudden warning message that doesn’t allow the user to download or install the program.
Microsoft Smart Screen Filtering Practices
Making Application Reputation via Microsoft SmartScreen feature can be quite a daunting task to new developers of software.
Microsoft SmartScreen has a two-step procedure for evaluating the downloaded software:
It first checks the files that users download via the internet against a list of malware-related websites, software and applications that aren’t safe. In the event that the SmartScreen Filters detect any matches on its list, it’ll alert users to block the download for security reasons. This is the initial step. After comparing it against its list of websites and files then it can proceed to the next step that consists of another check.
It will also look up an extensive list of downloaded programs. If your program isn’t on that list, it’s the same and it displays an SmartScreen alert message. This can make it difficult for developers of new software to convince customers to download their application.
What EV Code Signing Certificates Help Solve Microsoft SmartScreen Problems
For large scale businesses and publishers with a well-established good standing in Google, Microsoft, and Mozilla An EV certificate for code signing won’t be as important. If your software business is relatively new or in the beginning stages of development and its name isn’t yet established and reputable, then the Microsoft SmartScreen warning message issue can cause problems. To get around this issue it is recommended to use the use of an EV certificate for signing codes can prove beneficial. Certificate Authorities Certificate Authorities take the applicant through a strict vetting procedure prior to granting the certificate – it takes between one and five days to confirm the legitimacy of the company by confirming the company’s documentation including phone number, address, etc. Because of this, Microsoft SmartScreen gives an instant image boost to EV code-signed software. In most instances, this is reflected in the elimination from the SmartScreen warning.
Benefits and Features of EV Certificates for Code Signing
If you’re wondering if anything unique that the EV certificate of code signing provides which a typical code signing certificate won’t be capable of an overview of the advantages and features.
1. Instant SmartScreen Reputation
The main and greatest benefit of having an EV certificate for code signing is that your program will instantly gain instant credibility through Microsoft SmartScreen. Microsoft will view you as a trustworthy business and will lower the warning message, and improve your reputation as a brand. Then, eventually, it will boost the trust of users and resulting in more downloads and a higher rate of conversion.
2. Two-Factor Authentication
In contrast to standard code signing which has the private key saved locally EV Code Signing stores the key to be stored on an USB device. The device will be sent via mail once the certificate has been purchased. Therefore, if you attempt signing your program, or any other executable files using the EV Code Signing certificate you’ll require your private key that is stored in the device to ensure that unauthorized employees aren’t allowed to access or use fraud with your certificate.
3. Supported HSM (Hardware Security Modules) Supported
Extended Validated Code Signing Certificates can be used on HSMs. Therefore, if you’re seeking to gain more control over the certificate and private keys, this option may be advantageous. Furthermore, all authorized personnel within the company can access the HSM to utilize the certificate stored for signing code.
4. Timestamping
Similar to the standard code signing certificate certificates, the EV code signing certificate allows you of signing digitally and date your application using a private key derived from the udisk token that is provided. After the software has been timestamped, it can be used until the time the expiration date of the original certificate.
5. Affordable and Cost-Effective
It may seem like a lot however, EV Code Signing Certificates are inexpensive and a good value. If you take the instant confidence that comes with Microsoft SmartScreen into consideration, you’ll be amazed at how it shields the user from the hassles caused by software that is not EV-signed, like browser warnings that can stop downloads. Also, it’s an investment that will help the business to boost the number of downloads as well as conversion.
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