The main difference between a TLS (Transport Layer Security) certificate and a code signing certificate lies in their purpose and usage:
TLS Certificate:
Purpose: TLS certificates secure data transmitted over a network, typically between a web server and a web browser. They encrypt communication to ensure privacy and integrity.
Usage: TLS certificates are commonly used for securing websites (HTTPS), email servers (SMTP, IMAP, POP), virtual private networks (VPNs), and other network protocols.
Code Signing Certificate:
Purpose: Code signing certificates digitally sign software code or scripts. They verify the authenticity and integrity of the code, assuring users that it comes from a trusted source and has not been tampered with.
Usage: Code signing certificates are commonly used by software developers and publishers to sign executable files, installers, scripts, and other types of code. This allows users to verify the identity of the software publisher and ensure that malicious actors have not modified the code.
In summary, TLS certificates are primarily used to secure data transmitted over a network, while code signing certificates are used to verify the authenticity and integrity of software code.