specially authorized software can read. This
shields the logs against accidental or deliberate
deletion by the user or a virus.
2-Factor Authentication
Highly sensitive use cases, such as ATMs, can
demand two-factor authentication: possession
and knowledge. The service technician would
need to be in possession of a CmDongle and
know the password for the CmDongle. Both
are needed to start the software and provide
the required services.
Encryption
As with its protections against unscrupulous
competitors, CodeMeter again offers an
opportunity to encrypt data and software. They
could then only be used if the right license is
present; decryption is only possible for a defined
period of time. After that open period has passed,
the data becomes worthless for whoever has
access to it. By binding the license to a named
employee’s workstation, it becomes even harder
to pass on the license without authority.
Unauthorized Modifications by
the Client
There can be use cases in which an incorrectly
configured machine can have fatal conse-
quences. OR room equipment or a dialysis
machine are just two obvious examples, but
even in less life-threatening cases, tampering
with the settings can lead to waste or in-
creased wear and tear. This could be a poorly
calibrated dental milling machine or the
incorrect maximum RPM of a wind turbine.
To forestall any debates about warranties,
CodeMeter allows the settings and calibration
of equipment to be restricted to certified service
technicians.
Logging
CodeMeter is also the solution of choice for
cases in which the user or service technician
must be able to configure the settings
themselves. A CmDongle can be used to
identify who changed any of the settings. A
tamper-proof log is kept to record the changes
and the person who authorized them.
A CmDongle with flash memory can also be
used to record the logs in an area that only
One of the two factors making CodeMeter an
effective choice for service software and service
documents is the option to encrypt data with
a key bound to the license. Only a service
technician who has the right key can access the
software and documents, decrypt them, and use
them for his work. CodeMeter offers a granular
selection of different rights and entitlement
levels. CmDongles or CmActLicenses bound to
a specified device provide solid and protected
key storage for this purpose.
Automatic License Renewals
The second critical factor is the issuing of
automatically renewals. These are created via
CodeMeter License Central and collected by
the service technician. As the issuer, you limit
them to a specific period to reduce the risk of
licenses falling into the wrong hands.
Your software regularly checks back with
CodeMeter License Central to renew the
license automatically in the background. This
would mean that a service technician who
stays online will always have a fully usable
license. If a license is lost in the field, it is
locked in CodeMeter License Central and
expires automatically.
Changes like new rights for new documents
or features can also be rolled out in the
background in this manner – or withdrawn if
need be.
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