Cyber Security:

Code Signing

Code signing is a use of cryptography by which software companies issue digitally signed copies of their programs that can be checked by recipients for its authenticity.

Code signing is used by the designers of all three major operating systems (Microsoft Windows, Mac OS and Linux) to guarantee that operating system updates are genuine even if they are distributed using flash memory cards rather than directly from the publisher.

Microsoft Windows uses code signing on operating systems components, such as hardware drivers, which have direct access to the heart of the operating system.

Apple has taken code signing even further. Versions of Mac OS from 10.8 onwards can restrict users to only running programs that have been certified by the Apple App Store.

While this does offer greater security against malware, it may also restrict choice and prevent users from running certain unsigned apps from third parties.