What is YubiKey and Why use YubiKey for Code Signing?

To enhance overall security infrastructure, organisations are adopting new security tools like Hardware Security Module (HSM) devices, which are usually tamper-proof and ensure prompt storage of confidential information, security tools or digital documents bolstering data and information security measures for any organisation by reducing the probability of unauthorised accessibility by cyber criminals.

Fundamentals of YubiKey Code Signing Process

YubiKey is a hardware security module (HSM) based authentication device created and designed by Yubico specialised in maintaining strong data and information security due to its robust feature of being a physically tamper-proof device to prevent unauthorised personnel from gaining access to data and other documents stored there, proving it an ideal tool for data transfer operations.

Moreover, YubiKey are small USB enabled devices that also provide strong two-factor authentication and cryptographic functions appropriate for various purposes like data storage and transfers, holding digital documents, and cyber security operations like code signing, which is a process of digitally signing the software code by developers to secure it from getting maliciously tampered with or altered by cyber criminals and assuring the identity of the publisher to be trusted and legit for users downloading the signed software.

Thus, YubiKey is suitable for code signing by securely storing and managing code signing certificate details and authentication keys.

What are the Benefits of Using YubiKey for Code Signing

As per CA/B Forum's recent guidelines issued in May 2023, Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) are now mandatory for Certificate Authorities (CAs) for issuing code signing certificates applicable to all types, right from the regular Organization Validation (OV) or Standard code signing to the Extended Validation (EV) code signing certificates.

Thus, having understood the critical importance of HSMs, let us now discover the advantages or benefits of using YubiKey in the code signing process through the below key factors:

1. Strong Cryptographic Protection

YubiKey is incorporated with advanced protection using cryptographic algorithms and secure key storage, ensuring the prompt authenticity and integrity of signed code.

2. Physical Hardware Security

YubiKey is a physical device that is used independently from the computer or network it is used with, which adds an extra layer of security by safeguarding the code signing keys from malware or other software-based threats.

3. Private Key Protection

YubiKey is empowered to encrypt, secure, and manage the private key stored in them, which has a minimal probability of theft or leakage of the key and other confidential data by any unauthorised personnel. The physical strength feature of YubiKey or any HSM device enables keeping private keys confidential and stringent data security as a vital component of the code signing process.

4. Two-Factor Authentication System (2FA)

YubiKey is also enabled with Two-Factor Authentication system, also known as "2FA," requiring both physical possession of the device and a user's PIN or biometric authentication to access the private key, which itself is an additional layer of security and ensures that only authorised individuals can sign codes.

5. Regulatory Compliance

YubiKey complies with government regulations and industry standards related to software security, information or data security, and other cyber security standards like the "US FIPS-140-2" compliance, providing a trusted and widely accepted solution that is recognised globally by various industries, including the information technology industry.

Conclusion

To sum up, using the YubiKey hardware token for code signing enhances the security aspect of the digital signing process and reduces the risk of unauthorised code modification, key theft, and data accessibility by unknown users, which helps establish trust with users.

Thus, YubiKey HSMs are beneficial security tools for developers and publishing business organisations for implementing strong software, data, and information security measures, thereby strengthening the overall IT security infrastructure.