Thread: how are copy protections implemented?

hi,

i'm developing for the series 60 platform(ie symbian os), the cellphones have this IMEI number, which is unique on all cellphones,

i was wondering how exatly copy protections are implemented? for example the IMEI number of the phone is 1111222233334444 (though the IMEI is 15 digis only i think),

do i like, if 1 then reg key will be 'a', if 2 then next reg key is 'b' and so on..,

any clues? sample implementations or links...

is it really upto me how i implemented my algorithm for the copy protection?

many thanks,

I don't think we understand your question. Are you asking how to generate a unique key based on a unique IMEI#? Is this for software installation?

gg

hi codeplug,

well yeah sort of, how do you generate a unique key base from the imei number to implement a basic copy protection for your software.,

Well if I understand your question correctly then you are really asking a whole lot from us here. Have you tried looking up info on the web?

Assuming you want only allow installation of your software only on those phones that have puchased the software, you can take a few simple approaches:

1. Create a "custom build" for each customer. This will be a coded key that decrypts into supported IMEI's. This key can be hard coded or in a resource.
2. Since this will be on a phone running Symbian, I'll assume that the device has IP connectivitey - in which case you can take the Microsoft approach and have the installation connect to a central server for authorization. (Not good for minimizing cost to the user)

gg

hello,

implemenenting copy protections are quite a mystery to me,

is it something this simpe:

1. user provide imei number
2. KeyGenerator function generates a key base on the imei number
3. user uses the reg key on the phone
4. phone checks key? (or descrypts key) and see if matches imei number
5. if match, software is registered

the only means or way that i can offer is, the user downloads the application from my website, as well as pay the fee from there.

as for now, i guess that's my only way since i'm the one marketing my own software

do i look up encryption/decryption for this?

many many thanks for your time,

[i]Originally posted by Codeplug approaches:[list=1][*]Create a "custom build" for each customer. This will be a coded key that decrypts into supported IMEI's. This key can be hard coded or in a resource.

i liked this idea so much, i'm guessing that i should have my own webserver so i could instruct cgi codes to compile the code base from the imei number,

unfortunately, i don't have my own webserver and i'm just letting my site hosted by others,

but still, this is a very good idea,

btw, do you guys know how easy is it for crackers to know the key on a simple xor encryption? i'm thinking within minutes, crackers can generate a key generator with this kind of method very easily,