Microsoft Introduces Trusted Signing Solution: Simplifying App Development for Developers

Key Takeaways:

• Microsoft has launched the Trusted Signing solution, offering a fully managed end-to-end signing service aimed at simplifying app development and distribution processes.
• The solution supports both public and private trust signing scenarios and incorporates modern security features like Smart App Control and SmartScreen.
• Developers and ISVs can take advantage of a free trial of the Trusted Signing solution until June 2024.

Microsoft has recently announced the public preview of its new Trusted Signing solution. This fully managed end-to-end signing service is designed to streamline processes, allowing developers to effortlessly build and distribute apps.

“The service supports both public and private trust signing scenarios and includes a timestamping service. With Trusted Signing, users enjoy a productive, performant, and delightful experience on Windows with modern security protection features enabled such as Smart App Control and SmartScreen,” Microsoft explained.

Microsoft highlights that the new solution offers an intuitive experience in Azure to simplify the signing process. Moreover, it helps to manage the full certificate lifecycle and key storage that is FIPS 140-2 Level 3 compliant. The service also offers support for different profile types such as Public Trust, Private Trust, and Test.

Additionally, the new trusted signing solution integrates with popular developer toolsets like SignTool.exe, GitHub, and Visual Studio. For Private Trust, it provides PowerShell cmdlets for IT admins to sign Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) policies. Microsoft plans to offer potential integrations with IT endpoint management solutions in the future.

Trusted Signing Pricing

Microsoft will provide two SKUs (basic and premium) for the new trusted signing solution, and you can view the pricing details in the screenshot below:

Microsoft notes that developers and ISVs will need to navigate to the Azure portal to try out the trusted signing solution. The company says that Azure customers will be able to access the new trusted signing solution for free until June 2024. We invite you to check out this quick-start guide to learn more about the onboarding process.