A developer wants to create a certificate to show the browser plugin is trusted. What could the developer use?

The most appropriate choice here is the method of code signing. Code signing is a process by which a developer digitally signs software or plugins to ensure authenticity and integrity. When a developer uses code signing, they create a unique digital certificate that verifies the origin of the code and confirms it has not been tampered with since it was signed. This reassures users and their browsers that the browser plugin can be trusted, as it has been validated by a known developer.

Choosing code signing provides a clear mechanism to establish trust in the software, particularly for plugins that are intended to operate within web browsers. It plays a crucial role in protecting users by alerting them to potentially harmful software and allowing for smooth installation and use of the plugin, provided it is signed correctly.

In contrast, while options like digital signatures share some concepts, they are broader in application and do not specifically convey the trustworthiness of software within this context. SSH keys serve primarily for secured connections rather than for ensuring the authenticity of software. Network access control (NAC) authentication is unrelated to the signing of applications and focuses instead on controlling access to network resources.