How to Code Sign and Time Stamp a Java (.Jar) File?
Tags: tutorial, java, programming, cybersecurity
Published: 2023-05-03 13:32:18


![java-code-signing](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/432fbq96k19gs5a7uu0b.jpg)Java is one of the most trending and popular programming languages used by many business organizations, providing a seamless approach for developers to create and furnish smooth, stable, and avant-garde desktop, mobile, and web-based applications. Also, the increasing demand and popularity of Java technology has led to cybercriminals easily targeting Java-based applications by exploiting loopholes and vulnerabilities in them.

Thus, it is very much crucial for developers to digitally sign the curated Java applications with a reputed Certificate Authority (CA) based code signing certificate like [Comodo Code Signing Certificate](https://signmycode.com/comodo-code-signing), which secures them from the threat of getting maliciously tampered with or unauthorized alteration, validates the source of the app to be legitimate, enables faster user downloads, and enables publishers to publish signed Java applications without any hassles.

## Easy 8 Step Tutorial for Code Signing and Time Stamping Java (.Jar) Files

**Step 1:** Obtain a [Code Signing Certificate](https://signmycode.com/code-signing-certificates) from a reputed CA or any authorized vendor required to sign your Java files.
   
**Step 2:**  Download and install the latest version of Java Development Kit (JDK) on your system, which is a mandated pre-requisite required for .Jar file (Java) code signing.

**Step 3:**  Export the issued code signing certificate in a.PFX format and the associated private key to the local disk.

**Step 4:**  Once you have completed Step 3, create a **".bat"**(batch) file, write the below command, and run it. It will create your Keystore File.
`keytool.exe -importkeystore -srckeystore ExportedCertificateFile.pfx -srcstoretype pkcs12 -destkeystore KeystoreFileName -deststoretype JKS
`
**Step 5:**  Now, you need to replace the keyword "_KeystoreFileName_" with your file name.

**Step 6:**  Obtain the Alias Value from the relevant Certificate Authority (CA) with the help of the command `keytool.exe -list -storepass YourFilePassword -keystore KeystoreFileName -v
`
**Step 7:**  Open the command prompt on your system and utilize the _"JarSigner Utility"_ to digitally sign and time stamp your Java (.Jar) file by executing the below command with the appropriate keywords in the command;
`jarsigner.exe -keypass YourKeyPassword -keystore KeystoreFileName -storepass YourStorePassword -tsa (link to CAs timestamp server) -digestalg SHA-1 JarNameFile.jar YourAliasName
`
 
**Step 8:**  After you are completed with the signing  process, the final step involves verifying whether your file is signed and time stamped or not by running the following command;
`jarsigner.exe -verify -verbose -certs JarFileName.jar
`


## Conclusion

To sum up, this easy-to-follow 8-step tutorial enables fast and easy code signing and time stamping of your Java (.Jar) file, ensuring appropriate security for your Java application and keeping it safeguarded from the threat of cyber attacks.