New Microsoft ACS requirements for endpoint protection solutions
News|by Leanne Bevan|2 May 2023
In late 2021, Microsoft introduced functionality in the various versions of the Windows Operating System for Azure Code Signing (ACS) requirements.
Microsoft is making ACS mandatory for endpoint protection vendors on Windows platforms. Many of our endpoint protection software vendors are updating their software in line with this requirement. For instance, the upcoming releases of Sophos Intercept X and Intercept X for Server will comply with the ACS requirements.
This change will not impact you if you regularly apply Windows Updates to your Endpoints and Servers. New installations and updates may fail if your Windows device is not running a Windows version that complies with ACS.
What is Azure Code Signing?
Azure Code Signing is a fully managed service for code signing. It leverages digest signing and is managed as an Azure resource. To initiate, you need only go to the Code Signing Accounts resource and enter your organisation’s information. All the keys and certificates are managed through Microsoft’s Certificate Authorities which are part of the Microsoft Trusted Root Program and meet the WebTrust Certification. The best part is that it is easily integrated with Visual Studio, GitHub, Windows SDK SignTool and more. You can implement a seamless signing workflow as part of your build and release pipeline.
Fill out the form below to find out more about endpoint protection or Microsoft Azure.
Contact Grey Matter
If you have any questions or want some extra information, complete the form below and one of the team will be in touch ASAP. If you have a specific use case, please let us know and we'll help you find the right solution faster.
By submitting this form you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy and Website Terms of Use.
Leanne Bevan
Related News
Cyber Assessment Framework
What is the Cyber Assessment framework? The Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF), developed by the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), is a structured approach designed to help you assess and improve your cyber resilience, particularly if you’re responsible for critical...
Design Smarter, Not Harder: What’s New in Adobe Creative Cloud
In May 2025, Adobe Creative Cloud rolled out powerful updates across its suite of tools, with a strong focus on AI-driven creativity, speed, and collaboration. For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), these updates aren’t just bells and whistles-they’re game-changers that...
Readying your cloud migration: operating models and Azure landing zones
Learn how to migrate to the cloud in episode five of our Azure series. Previously, we covered the why and what of your migration and walked you through some helpful tools to help you understand the cost of your migration....
Grey Matter celebrates double win at ESET UK Partner Awards
Recognition for our partnership engagement at the ESET UK Partner Awards We are thrilled to announce that we have been named Engagement Partner of the Year at the ESET UK Partner Awards 2025. This recognition highlights our unwavering commitment to...