Code signing in PowerShell - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is code signing in PowerShell?

Code signing is the process of digitally signing scripts or executables to verify their origin and ensure they have not been altered. It helps users trust the code they run.

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Which PowerShell cmdlet is used to sign a script?

The <code>Set-AuthenticodeSignature</code> cmdlet is used to digitally sign a PowerShell script with a certificate.

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What is a code signing certificate?

A code signing certificate is a digital certificate issued by a trusted authority. It contains a public key and identifies the signer, allowing verification of the script's authenticity.

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How can you check if a PowerShell script is signed and valid?

Use Get-AuthenticodeSignature <script.ps1>. It shows the signature status like Valid, UnknownError, or NotSigned.

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Why is code signing important for script security?

Code signing ensures scripts come from a trusted source and have not been changed. It protects users from running harmful or tampered code.

Which cmdlet signs a PowerShell script?

A Sign-Script

B Get-AuthenticodeSignature

C New-Signature

D Set-AuthenticodeSignature

Set-AuthenticodeSignature is used to sign scripts. Get-AuthenticodeSignature checks signatures.

What does a code signing certificate provide?

A Encryption of script content

B Verification of script origin and integrity

C Execution permission for scripts

D Automatic script updates

A code signing certificate verifies who signed the script and that it was not changed.

How do you verify a script's signature in PowerShell?

A Get-AuthenticodeSignature

B Set-AuthenticodeSignature

C Check-Signature

D Verify-Script

Get-AuthenticodeSignature shows the signature status of a script.

What does a 'Valid' status mean when checking a script's signature?

A The script is unsigned

B The certificate is expired

C The signature is trusted and intact

D The script has errors

'Valid' means the signature matches and the certificate is trusted.

Why should you run only signed scripts?

A They come from trusted sources and are not altered

B They are guaranteed error-free

C They run faster

D They use less memory

Signed scripts help ensure safety by confirming the source and integrity.

Explain what code signing is and why it matters in PowerShell scripting.

Think about how you can prove a script is safe to run.

Describe the steps to sign a PowerShell script and verify its signature.

Consider the cmdlets used for signing and checking.