Security system for computer software

• US 4,959,861 A
• Filed: 07/13/1988
• Issued: 09/25/1990
• Est. Priority Date: 07/13/1988
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Edward L. Howlette
• Original Assignee: Edward L. Howlette
• Inventors: Howlette, Edward L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Buczinski, Stephen C.
• Assistant Examiner(s): GREGORY, BERNARR E
• Application Number:
  US07/218,385
• Time in Patent Office: 804 Days
• Field of Search: 380/3-5, 380/23-25, 380/52, 380/49, 380/50, 364/200, 364/900, 364/246.6-246.9, 364/969, 364/969.1-969.4, 364/971.1, 340/825.31, 340/825.34, 235/380, 235/382
• US Class Current: 726/33
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/6209 to a single file or object, e.g. in a secure envelope, encrypted and accessed using a key, or with access control rules appended to the object itself
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2211/007 Encryption, En-/decode, En-/decipher, En-/decypher, Scramble, (De-)compress
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2221/2103 Challenge-response
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2221/2153 Using hardware token as a secondary aspect

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a security system for computer software. A plug-in circuit accompanies each legitimately purchased softward package. The software includes a communication system to decode signals generated by the plug-in circuit. Where the appropriate signal is sensed the program is executed. If the proper code is not sensed the program shuts down.

Claims

1. A computer system comprising:

a permanent memory;

a program stored in said permanent memory;

a computer having a second memory, and instructions for loading said program into said second memory;

means for securing said program from use by an unauthorized user, comprising an input port of said computer system, a key for releasably attaching to said input port, said key including means for generating a coded signal wherein said generation of said coded signal is independent of said program;

means for commencing execution of said program;

means for transmitting said coded signal to said second memory;

means for evaluating said coded signal according to security criteria;

means for generating a command signal which causes said computer to complete execution of said program only if said coded signal satisfies the security criteria.

2. The computer system according to claim 1 wherein said coded signal is in binary form.

3. The computer according to claim 1 wherein said computer includes a power source, said key includes means for connecting the power source to said key for generating said signal.

4. A method for securing software used in a computer having a memory, comprising the steps of:

(1) attaching a key for generating a predetermined coded signal to an input port of said computer said generation of said coded signal being independent of said software;

(2) loading a program into said memory, said program containing an algorithm for evaluating said signal generated by said key, and instructions for

(i) accessing the signal being evaluated and

(ii) allowing execution of said program according to predetermined security criteria;

(3) commencing execution of said program;

(4) transmitting said coded signal from said key to said memory;

(5) evaluating said coded signal according to the security criteria; and

(6) allowing said computer to complete the execution of said program only if said coded signal from said key satisfies the predetermined security criteria.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein said step of evaluating said coded signal according to the security criteria, comprises:

(1) determining the presence of the coded signal generated by said key;

(2) advising the program user that said key should be inserted into said input port, if said coded signal is determined not to be present; and

(3) evaluating said code for its appropriateness with respect to predetermined security criteria if said key is determined to be present.

6. The method of claim 4, further comprising the step of periodically evaluating the coded signal generated by said key during program execution.

7. The method of claim 4, wherein said steps of attaching and transmitting utilize a male or female port.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein said steps of attaching and transmitting utilize a serial port of said computer.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein said steps of attaching or transmitting utilize a parallel port of said computer.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein said steps of attaching and transmitting utilize at least one of a controller port, expansion port, or lesser port.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein said coded signal comprises a binary signal.

12. The method of claim 7, wherein said port is connected to a power source for providing power to said key to transmit said signal.

13. A method of protecting software where a user accesses a host system, comprising the steps of:

(1) attaching a key for generating a predetermined coded signal to an input port of a user terminal or computer;

(2) transmitting said coded signal from the user port to which the key is attached to said host system wherein said host system is coded such that accesses to various software program/databases are determined by said coded signal generated by said key;

(3) evaluating the coded signal for permission for program execution by said host; and

(4) once evaluation of step (3) is completed evaluating said coded signal to determine access to said data bases.