December 18, 2007
- GlobalSign
December 18, 2007
Press Release
GlobalSign K.K.
GlobalSign Launches Code Signing Certificates for Microsoft Office VBA Macros
Tokyo – December 18, 2007 – GMO Hosting & Security consolidated subsidiary and digital certificate services company GlobalSign today launches code signing certificates for Microsoft Office VBA(*1) macros. GMO Hosting & Security is a GMO Internet Group company.
(*1)Visual Basic for Applications: the Microsoft macro description programming language embedded in Microsoft Office applications.
VBA Macro Security Features
VBA is a programming environment that was originally integrated into Microsoft Office. It has since been significantly improved and is now used to develop other Windows and web applications.
While VBA is a convenient programming development language, in recent years concerns have arisen over malicious software causing increasingly serious damage through VBA. Microsoft has made improvements to security in Office applications preventing Office documents containing unsigned (object signing) macros from executing after each update.
The Importance of Digital Signatures (Code Signing)
A digital signature on an Office document containing a macro verifies that it originated from a reliable distributor. Digital code signing certificates are even more important now that they are a security feature recommended by Microsoft.
GlobalSign provides code signing certificates for MS Authenticode(*2), Object Signing (Java) and now MS Office VBA (version for macros).
*Microsoft Authenticode: Authenticode identifies the publisher of signed software and verifies that it hasn't been tampered with, before the user downloads software.
GlobalSign provides a more secure environment for computer use and promotes security in Internet infrastructure.
GlobalSign
GlobalSign began providing digital authentication services to Belgium ten years ago when digital authentication companies were first beginning to appear. Customers include a number of Belgian government agencies and the GlobalSign certificate authority operates many prestigious government projects such as eID*(BELPIC). We are recognized as the Belgian government certificate authority. GlobalSign became a member of the GMO Internet Group in 2006 and beginning in Japan is expanding sales of government-level security worldwide.
eID*: A citizen ID card. This is the first stage of the e-government project in Belgium. The ID card containing a digital certificate is distributed to all Belgian citizens over the age of 12.
Performance: (cumulative figures)
■ Over 100,000 SSL server certificates issued
■ Over 1.4 million digital certificates (for web sites, IC Cards etc. including Digital IDs) issued
■ Over 20 million certificates worldwide rely on the public trust provided by the GlobalSign root (including issues by subordinate CAs)
■ We supply many major government agencies and major corporations.
Profile
■The first certificate authority in Europe to obtain WebTrust accreditation
■ CABF (CA/Browser Forum) member
In Japan GlobalSign (formerly GeoTrust JAPAN) participates as JCAF (Japan Certification Authority Forum)
■ Anti-Phishing Working Group member
Media Inquiries
GMO Hosting & Security Inc. Corporate Planning Department
E-mail：[email protected]
GMO Internet Inc. Group PR Team
E-mail：[email protected]
The GMO Internet Group
The GMO Internet Group is a leading force in the Internet industry offering one of the most comprehensive ranges of Internet services in Japan. We hold top domestic market shares in domain registration, web hosting and payment processing and we provide a host of other services including e-commerce solutions and Internet advertising to individual and corporate customers. Striving to redefine the industry and foster a vibrant Internet culture, the GMO Internet Group is continuously working to inspire enthusiasm in our customers and put smiles on their faces.
Global Sign K.K.
Company Name | GlobalSign K.K. http://globalsign.co.jp/ |
Address | Shibuya Infoss Tower, 20-1 Sakuragaoakacho, Shibuya ku, Tokyo, JAPAN |
CEO | Ichiro Chujo |
Business Description | ■Information security and digital authentication |
Capital | ￥356,664,000 |
GMO Hosting & Security Inc.
Company Name | (TSE Mothers Market: 3788) |
Address | Cerulean Tower, 26-1 Sakuragaokacho, Shibuya ku, Tokyo, JAPAN |
CEO | Mitsuru Aoyama |
Business Description | ■Web hosting ■Internet security |
Capital | ￥905,000,000 (9/2007) |
GMO Internet Inc.
Company Name | GMO Internet Inc. http://www.gmo.jp/en (TSE First Section Code: 9449) |
Address | Cerulean Tower, 26-1 Sakuragaokacho, Shibuya ku, Tokyo, JAPAN |
CEO | Masatoshi Kumagai |
Business Description | ■Internet Use Support (Infrastructure) ■Internet Advertising Support (Media) |
Capital | ￥9,651,750,000 |
*Microsoft Office is a Microsoft Corporation (US) product.
*All other company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.