Symbian Programming

1
Symbian Programming

• Part VI
• Programming Symbian devices with Symbian C

Signing applications
2
Content

• Symbian applications
• OS versions and security
• Signing process
• Symbian signed
• Developer certificates

3
Symbian application

• Deployable applications are packed into .sis
  files
• Carbide creates a sis packet once you choose it
  from the project settings (instead of the
  emulator build)
• You can choose the signing properties of the
  application, like the certificate used etc.

4
OS versions and security

• In versions 9.x of the Symbian OS applications
  have to be signed
• Signing lets the application to be traced back to
  you, in case you produced e.g. a virus )
• A hash value of your program executable is
  encrypted with your private key

5
Signing process

• Assures for example that
• Program code has not been tampered with after it
  was signed (your security)
• Any executable can be traced back to the signer
  if problems occur (users' security)
• Restricts the installation of "wild" software
• Signed code can access APIs not available to
  unsigned code
• Additional (highly sensible APIs) require an OK
  from a device manufacturer

6
Symbian signed

• www.symbiansigned.com
• Is a procedure where your code is
• inspected
• signed (with another certificate)
• put into a directory with other signed code
• Is a process that has some expenses
• Verisign takes about 350
• Test process costs depent on the project, average
  some 500-600
• For java code see javaverified.com

7
Symbian signed process

• Register for an ACS Publisher ID from Verisign
• Sign your .SIS file with your ACS Publisher ID.
• Submit your application for testing using
  www.symbiansigned.com
• Your app tested by the "test house"
• If passed your Symbian Signed app can be
  downloaded

8
Developer certificates

• Meant for the development phase, not for
  deployment
• Tied to a specific IMEI, hence device specific
• A Special tool for requesting developer
  certificates (only a windows version available)