Protecting software from piracy
The growing problems associated with IT piracy concern not only the industry itself, but that of the genuine consumers, who are forced to pay higher costs as a result. An IST project titled "Authentication and Protection Innovation Software System" (ASPIS) has developed several initiatives to combat software piracy, and the partnership believes that this system supersedes any other alternative product of its kind. MLS Laserlock, an international developer and supplier of software protection products and services, has developed a new and revolutionary optical disc. Derived from the special laser glass marking procedure, the disc contains a unique protection signature that can prevent the illegal copying of DVDs. Driven by the urgency of software games manufacturers, ASPIS delivered very distinct advantages that will make piracy almost impossible, if not obsolete. On the grounds of conditional access systems for pay-TV, new technology for secure Internet connections has been built. Thereby, a user who has a smart card can only access the restricted areas of the web server, advancement based on an existing system operating with France Telecom. Another development occurred as a result of the research in the form of proof of copyright ownership. Proof is maintained with the aid of a special watermarking technology, which employs new algorithms and cryptography techniques. The watermarking can then hide the authentication methods from illegal copiers, thus protecting image, video and audio data files. Thus, not only executable files but also all data files could be protected and should any image actually be opened, proof of ownership could be made with special detection software. The three developments therefore provide the customer with an integrated package, which may benefit the customer, and at the same time can hinder any act of piracy.
