Sentinel Delivers Government-Grade Security Through Public Key Cryptography, AES, and Internal Authentication
September 13, 2005 - The Sentinel Hardware Keys is a software rights management token that protects software vendors from unauthorized use or distribution of their products. Sentinel software protection devices, when attached to a computer or network, monitor and enforce the licensing of products which have been protected using this solution. Sentinel Hardware Keys are the first and only hardware tokens to incorporate public key cryptography, AES encryption and internal authentication. The result is an ultra-secure hardware token that still offers the highly flexible licensing for which the Sentinel product line is known.
This product was developed to combat the continually evolving threat of software piracy, which is more widespread and more sophisticated than ever before. Interconnected communities of software hackers armed with more advanced tools are forcing software vendors to upgrade and adapt their protection schemes to try to keep pace. Sentinel Hardware Keys were developed by security experts to employ an advanced set of defenses against attack.
One significant area of vulnerability has been in the communications between the hardware token and the application. These "middle layer" attacks attempt to discover the nature of the data being exchanged and then reproduce or "emulate" the message from the hardware token. Sentinel uses public key cryptography to generate unique session keys that are then used to encrypt the communications. Because the key generation and encryption algorithms being used are highly secure and unique for each session, these middle layer attacks are effectively stopped.
Other types of attacks attempt to "dump", or gain access to, the contents of the hardware key in order to create a software-based copy, or "clone", which can then be used to illegally enable the application. Sentinel Hardware Keys employ both high-level encryption of the key contents and internal authentication, which prevents cloning—even during the manufacturing process.
Sentinel Hardware Keys Features
Secure Communication
Sentinel Hardware Keys are the most secure hardware token available in the world. Both public key cryptography and 128-bit AES encryption are used to secure communications between the key and the protected application. In addition, the keys include internal authentication, which effectively prevents cloning of the keys.
Rapid Implementation – Sentinel Business Layer APIs™
By using Sentinel Business Layer APIs™, developers can obtain the highest level of security and control over sophisticated license designs without spending time on lower level programming. These tools typically reduce the programming time required to secure a new application by up to 60% or more compared to other hardware key solutions.
Simplified Updates and Activation – Logical Addressing
Sentinel Hardware Key High Level APIs also include Logical Addressing which allows developers to add or change implementations without being concerned about specific memory address usage. This greatly speeds development time as well as reducing risk of error from overwriting information in memory cells.
Added Protection - Sentinel Shell
The Sentinel Shell offers a way to quickly add protection to your application without requiring any alteration to the source code. When used in conjunction with API level integrations, the Shell enhances overall security by adding multiple layers to thwart hacking attempts.
Secure Time-Based Licensing - Sentinel V-Clock™
The Sentinel Hardware Key V-Clock allows you to reliably and securely offer time-based license models such as trial, demo or subscription. Sentinel V-Clock comes standard with Sentinel Keys and requires no on-board battery, effectively preventing time tampering without added costs.
Secure Distribution – Sentinel Distributor Keys™
Sentinel Hardware Keys allow you to carefully control and regulate your distribution channels through the use of Distributor Keys. You can assign and securely imbed encryption keys during the manufacturing process in order to control the creation of licenses through your channels.
Secure Remote Updates
Sentinel technology allows ISVs to send updates or additional licenses to keys in the field in a secure, controlled manner. Updates are sent using the same high level of security as communications between the hardware token and the software application.
Protect Multiple Applications
Sentinel Hardware Keys allow you to protect multiple applications with a single token. You can even add protection for additional applications at a later date without altering the existing security structure.
High Memory Availability
Sentinel Hardware Keys V-Cell technology optimizes memory availability, so that developers can easily and flexibly access all available memory on the token to store data and secure applications.
Multiple Environments and Platforms
Sentinel Hardware Keys provide you with the ability to protect applications created in numerous development environments. With Sentinel you can support your application on multiple operating platforms with a single development effort, further reducing development time and cost.
Licensing Across Networks
The network version of Sentinel Hardware Keys protects client-server applications and provides server monitoring to track license usage on the network. Sentinel Keys empower network administrators to cancel licenses in order to redistribute among users or revoke idle licenses.
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