Many publishers and authors wish that their PDF documents can be copy protected so as to ensure that only authorized parties get to view or use them. The same also applies to software creators. It seems that the copy function is the Achilles heel which all digital contents seem to bear, especially considering that to make use of such materials you need to make copies of them e.g. to read a PDF document it must first be copied onto the computer. Consequently, the most appropriate Copy Protection Software works not by stopping copying but by making sure that the file you want to protect will not be usable unless the user has been authorized.

In PDF document protection, encryption serves to prevent a document from being usable. In this case a decryption key is required in order for the document to be opened. The cryptographic details needed to decrypt the copy protected file, once obtained, can be transferred to other parties.

The best copy protection software ensures that this is not the case by locking the cryptographic info to individual computers. Again, the encryption system used should be strong enough; so far the best is the AES 256 bit encryption system, and which is renowned and reputed for its strength and is used by the US government. The software should further make use of DRM features/access controls so that only the document owner can call the shots on what authorized users can do with the document once it is decrypted.

Turning our focus to software/application protection, we see a similar desire to prevent against unauthorized software copying and distribution, and control who can use it, when, and for how long. We can have copy protection software that not only takes care of these issues but also takes care of subscription licensing and time-limited trials. The normal copy control technique that is used for applications is the introduction of dll or executable files containing some replacement code. However, and similarly, a dummy file which mimics the replacement code can be used to bypass the protection and thus leave the so-thought copy protected application bare for all and sundry to replicate.

The best copy protection software for applications is one that does not use separate files but rather protection that is integrated to the application while simultaneously providing real time licensing control. It is this design that can empower the application owner to license all the users manually. We can also opt to have the protection software integrated to our ecommerce platforms such that once the users pay for the copy protected application their license codes are automatically sent over to them soon after. This should provide a total solution as it will let you control who can use your application and for how long and even track persons who have attempted to register the product more than once and the IP addresses they used.

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