KEYnote 43 English - Spring/Summer 2022 | Page 14

PROTECTION

All that is needed is a version of AxProtector , a Firm Code , a Product Code , and just a few minutes of the developer ’ s time .

The Firm Code is a seven-figure code assigned by Wibu-Systems to a user of AxProtector along with the developer ’ s master dongle , the Firm Security Box . It is needed to create unique licenses with CodeMeter . Whether it is older Firm Codes issued specifically for use with hardware CmDongles or software CmActLicenses , with numbers of 100,000 and higher , or the new Universal Firm Code for all types of license containers , starting at 6,000,000 , every Firm Code is fit for purpose for protecting and preparing the licensing for MATLAB standalone applications .

The Product Code is chosen by the developer for each item to be protected , using a simple integer format . This can be entire applications or individual functions and features . With the Firm Security Box capable of handling 4 billion options , this leaves enough freedom to organize the portfolio of protected and licensed applications on offer to match virtually any business model .

To encrypt the application in practice , AxProtector first asks for the source file and a destination for the protected file . The magic happens with the next important entry in the Licensing Systems tab : Among other licensing options , the developer ’ s Firm Code and a Product Code are entered here . Together , they are used to create the cryptographic underpinnings of the MATLAB application ’ s license .

As a final step in the CodeMeter protection process , dynamic code modification , which normally modifies the source code of the protected application during runtime , needs to be switched off for the system to work with MATLAB : Since this is not compatible with MATLAB Compiler , the option needs to be unchecked in the Security options tab . Once the application is protected , it is impossible to run it without the right license , using the same Product Code as the one used during protection .

CodeMeter has many more tricks and capabilities up its sleeve that give the developer free rein to design the protection and licensing for every business model or use case . But the simple steps laid out here are more than enough to protect any MATLAB standalone application with unbeaten encryptions and be ready to create licenses and distribute the application with confidence .

And CodeMeter makes the developer ’ s life even easier with its excellent automation and integration capabilities . The license creation and management process can be facilitated with many self-service options or integration with existing CRM and e-commerce systems . This leaves enough choice for MATLAB applications of every type and scale , from highly specialized solutions for a limited user group that need strong protection for the sophisticated IP that went into them to commercial applications for engineering clients that are sold through regular large-scale software distribution systems .

Made for Each Other and Made to Work

CodeMeter and MATLAB make for a perfect pairing and proof that protection , licensing , and monetization do not have to be complicated , even when the most intricate mathematical solutions are protected with the toughest and most sophisticated encryption technology . Just add AxProtector encryption and CodeMeter licensing , and any MATLAB application can be safe from hackers and thieves , be it in an engineering lab , on Wall Street , or on its way to the Moon .

Standalone Applications without License Protections Software Developer End User Unauthorized Users

Standalone Applications with CodeMeter Licensing Software Developer

End User

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Figure 1 : Comparing use cases with and without CodeMeter licensing

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