Why node js binaries created with pkg marked as red flag when share to another windows / mac os ?

It is generally considered a security risk to execute a binary file from an unknown source on any operating system. This is because the binary file could potentially contain malicious code that could harm your system or steal sensitive information.

When you share a Node.js binary file that was created with the pkg tool with another person, it is possible that their antivirus software or other security measures could flag the file as a potential threat. This is because the binary file is not familiar to their system, and it could potentially contain code that is malicious or potentially harmful.

To avoid this issue, you can try one of the following options:

1. Share the source code of your Node.js application instead of the binary file. This allows the person you are sharing the code with to run and build the application themselves, rather than executing a potentially unknown binary file.

2. Sign the binary file with a trusted certificate before sharing it. This allows the person you are sharing the file with to verify the authenticity of the file and helps to alleviate any concerns they may have about executing an unknown binary.

3. Use a package manager like npm to distribute your Node.js application. This allows the person you are sharing the application with to install and run the application using a package manager, which can help to mitigate any security concerns they may have.

   Ultimately, the decision to execute a binary file from an unknown source is up to the individual and their level of risk tolerance. It is always a good idea to exercise caution when executing files from unknown sources and to ensure that your system is adequately protected with antivirus software and other security measures.

METHOD 2

To sign a Node.js binary file with a trusted certificate, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Obtain a trusted code signing certificate from a reputable certificate authority (CA). This can typically be done by purchasing a code signing certificate from a CA or by obtaining one through your organization's certificate authority.

1. Install the code signing certificate on your system. This typically involves importing the certificate into your operating system's certificate store and configuring it for use with code signing tools.

1. use a code signing tool to sign the binary file. There are a number of tools available for signing code, such as signtool on Windows or codesign on macOS. Consult the documentation for your code signing tool for specific instructions on how to sign a binary file.4. Share the signed binary file with the person you are sharing it with. They can then use a tool like signtool or codesign to verify the authenticity of the file and ensure that it has not been tampered with.

It is important to note that code signing does not guarantee that a binary file is safe to execute. It simply provides a way for the person executing the file to verify the authenticity of the file and ensure that it has not been tampered with. It is still important to exercise caution when executing files from unknown sources and to ensure that your system is adequately protected with antivirus software and other security measures.

OBTAIN CERTIFICATE METHOD

There are a few different ways to obtain a code signing certificate from a reputable certificate authority (CA):

1. Purchase a code signing certificate from a CA: You can purchase a code signing certificate from a CA like VeriSign, Comodo, or Thawte. These CAs will typically require you to provide information about your organization and may require you to go through a verification process before issuing a certificate.

1. Obtain a code signing certificate through your organization's certificate authority: If your organization has its own certificate authority, you may be able to obtain a code signing certificate through them. This typically involves submitting a request for a certificate and providing the necessary information about your organization.

1. Use a self-signed certificate: If you are unable to obtain a code signing certificate from a CA or your organization's certificate authority, you can create your own self-signed certificate. This can be done using tools like OpenSSL or MakeCert. While self-signed certificates are not recognized by most operating systems as trusted, they can still be used to sign code and provide some level of authenticity.

It is important to note that code signing certificates can be used to sign code for a variety of platforms and operating systems, not just Node.js. Code signing certificates are typically valid for a certain period of time and must be renewed when they expire.