SignTool

About SignTool

The software industry must provide users with the means to trust code including code published on the Internet. Many webpages contain only static information that can be downloaded with little risk. Some pages, however, contain controls and applications to be downloaded and run on a user's computer. These executable files can be risky to download and run. Packaged software uses branding and trusted sales outlets to assure users of its integrity, but these guarantees are not available when code is transmitted on the Internet. Additionally, the Internet itself cannot provide any guarantee about the identity of the software creator. Nor can it guarantee that any software downloaded was not altered after its creation. Browsers can exhibit a warning message that explains the possible dangers of downloading data of any kind, but browsers cannot verify that code is what it claims to be. A more active approach must be taken to make the Internet a reliable medium for distributing software.