A software protection system using a single-key cryptosystem, a hardware-based authorization system and a secure coprocessor

摘要

The invention provides a software asset protection mechanism which is based on the separation of the software to be protected from the right to execute that software. Protected software can only be executed on composite computing systems in which a physically and logically secure coprocessor (15) is associated with a host computer (10). The software to be protected is broken down into a protected (encrypted) portion FILE2 EAK and an (optical) unprotected or plain text portion FILE 2 PLAIN. The software is distributed by any conventional software distribution mechanism (for example a floppy disk) including the files already identified along with an encrypted software decryption key FILE1. The coprocessor is capable of decrypting the software decryption key so it can thereafter decrypt the software, for execution purposes. However, the coprocessor will not perform these functions unless and until the user's right to execute is evidenced by presentation of a physically secure token (20). The physically secure token provides to the coprocessor token data in plain text form (the physical security or the plain text token data is provided by the cartridge within which token data is stored). The physical properties of that cartridge taken together with the correspondence between the token data provided by the cartridge and the encrypted token data evidence the user's right to execute.