Skip to content

[Bug]: Windows SmartScreen Warning on Executable Launch #23

Description

@majockbim

Users downloading spectrum.exe are being flagged by Windows Defender
SmartScreen with an "Unknown Publisher" or "Windows protected your PC"
warning.

This is expected behavior for unsigned executables from unrecognized
publishers, it does not indicate malware.

Root Cause

Spectrum is not code-signed with a trusted certificate. Windows flags
any unsigned executable from the internet.

Milestones

  • Research code signing options (SignTool, self-signed vs trusted CA)
  • Investigate free/low-cost signing certificates for open source projects
  • Explore GitHub Actions automated signing pipeline
  • Implement signing in the release workflow
  • Verify SmartScreen warning is resolved post-signing

Metadata

Metadata

Assignees

Labels

bugSomething isn't workingv2.0.0Anything related to the upcoming version v2.0.0windowsfor windows related things

Projects

No projects

Milestone

No milestone

Relationships

None yet

Development

No branches or pull requests

Issue actions