What operation digitally signs the file being distributed by a software developer or distributor?

What operation digitally signs the file being distributed by a software developer or distributor?

• A. Sandbox
• B. Continuous Integration
• C. Software Assurance
• D. Code Signing

Answer: (D)

Signing software ensures the file’s origin and integrity during distribution. Code signing uses a developer’s private key to generate a signature that is attached to the software. When end users or systems receive the file, they verify that signature with the developer’s public key (often via a trusted certificate). If the signature checks out, it confirms the file came from the claimed publisher and that it hasn’t been altered since it was signed. This established trust is exactly what you need for securely distributing software, guarding against tampering and impersonation. The other options describe different concepts: a sandbox isolates runtime execution to limit what untrusted code can do, continuous integration focuses on automated building and testing, and software assurance is a broader discipline about ensuring overall security quality rather than signing a distributed file.

Signing software ensures the file’s origin and integrity during distribution. Code signing uses a developer’s private key to generate a signature that is attached to the software. When end users or systems receive the file, they verify that signature with the developer’s public key (often via a trusted certificate). If the signature checks out, it confirms the file came from the claimed publisher and that it hasn’t been altered since it was signed. This established trust is exactly what you need for securely distributing software, guarding against tampering and impersonation.

The other options describe different concepts: a sandbox isolates runtime execution to limit what untrusted code can do, continuous integration focuses on automated building and testing, and software assurance is a broader discipline about ensuring overall security quality rather than signing a distributed file.