Code Signing

[TimPietrusky]

Objective: Implement code signing for the Captain application to ensure its authenticity and integrity for users upon download and installation.

Core Development Tasks for Implementing Code Signing:

• Research and select a trusted Certificate Authority (CA) to obtain a code signing certificate suitable for your application's platform (e.g., Windows, macOS). #290
• Generate a secure key pair and apply for a code signing certificate, following the CA's verification process. #291
• Integrate code signing into your build and release process #292
• Set up automated scripts or CI/CD pipeline steps to sign your code as part of the build process, ensuring every release is properly signed. #293
• Test the installation process on different environments to verify that the operating system recognizes your application as trusted.
• Develop documentation for your team on how to maintain and renew the code signing certificate, including handling key revocation or compromise. #294
• Monitor the expiry date of your code signing certificate to renew it in a timely manner, avoiding any interruption in your ability to sign code. #295
• Educate your users about the importance of downloading signed versions of Captain from official sources to ensure security. #296

Additional Considerations:

• Revocation Plan: Have a plan in place for certificate revocation and reissuance in case your private key is compromised.
• User Communication: Clearly communicate to users how to verify the authenticity of their downloaded copy of Captain, especially if they encounter security warnings during installation. #297