Authenticode is a digital certificate developed by Microsoft to aid in software security. The spelling of this word can be broken down into phonetic symbols, represented by [ɔːˈθɛntɪkəʊd]. The initial sound "ɔː" represents the "aw" sound (similar to "a" in "law"), followed by the short "e" sound, represented by "ɛ". The "o" is pronounced as "əʊ", which sounds similar to the "ow" in "know". The final syllable is pronounced as "kod", with a hard "k" sound and the short "o" sound.
Authenticode is a technology developed by Microsoft that provides a way to digitally sign and verify the authenticity and integrity of computer software. It is a code-signing digital certificate that ensures that the software has not been tampered with, altered, or modified since it was signed by the original author or publisher.
With Authenticode, software publishers can digitally sign their applications, drivers, and ActiveX controls using a private key, which creates a unique digital signature for each file. This signature is then embedded within the executable file and can be verified by users or other software to ensure that the file comes from a trusted source and has not been altered during transmission or installation.
The process of verifying Authenticode signatures involves using a public key or a trusted certification authority to confirm the authenticity and integrity of the signed file. If the signature is valid and the file has not been modified, users can be confident that the software comes from the stated publisher and has not been tampered with by malicious actors.
Authenticode is widely used in the software industry to establish trust and provide assurance to end-users that the software they are installing or running is legitimate and secure. It serves as a security mechanism against malware, as any attempts to modify the signed code will result in an invalid signature, indicating a potential security risk.
The word "Authenticode" is a combination of two terms: "authentic" and "code".
The term "authentic" originates from the Greek word "authentikos" meaning "genuine" or "original". It entered English in the late 14th century and referred to something that is trustworthy, reliable, or credible.
The term "code" refers to a set of rules or instructions to achieve a specific purpose. It has Latin roots, derived from "codex" meaning "systematic compilation" or "book".
When these two words are combined, "Authenticode" represents a trustworthy and reliable code or a digital signature verification method used to ensure the authenticity and integrity of software or digital content.