Computer system security method and apparatus having program authorization information data structures
INFORMATION PROTECTION AND AUTHENTICATION OF TEXAS, LLCThe holder of the '717 patent has sued Microsoft, Symantec, CA, F-Secure, McAfee, Kaspersky, Sophos, Novell, and PC Tools for infringing this patent.
Last updated: about 1 year ago
Summary / Description
| Summary / Description | The present invention relates generally to software protection, and more particularly toward a method of and apparatus for enabling execution of software with only a data processing system authorized to execute the software. The software protection method and apparatus are particularly useful in a microprocessor based environment. |
Basic Information
| Type of Prior Art | Issued Patents - US |
| Country | United States of America |
| Patent/Application # | 4593353 |
| Kind Code | United States (US) - United STATES Patent - A |
| Patentee Name | Telecommunications Associates, Inc. |
| Relevant Pages, Columns, or Lines | Abstract |
| URL | http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/... |
| Publication Date | October 26, 1981 |
| Additional Information | The publication date given is actually the filing date. |
Notes / To Do
| Notes | |
Excerpt
In a method of and apparatus for limiting program execution to only an authorized data processing system, a proprietary program, together with first and second authorization codes, is stored on a magnetic disc or other storage medium. The first and second authorization codes are read. A hardware module containing a pseudorandom number generator unique to the authorized system receives the first authorization code as a key. The resultant number generated by the number generator, which is a function of the key and particular pseudorandom generator algorithm, is compared with the second authorization code in direct or encrypted form. An execution enable signal is generated in response to a positive comparison to enable the stored program to be executed.
Relevance
Claims
Claim 120
In a digital computer system having digital data processing means for executing a plurality of digital computer programs for a computer user and memory means for storing digital program instructions and digital data, a method for providing improved computer security comprising the steps of:
a) storing digital authorization information in said memory means which restricts an associated program from accessing resources when executed by said digital data processing means which are accessible to said computer user; and
b) storing in at least one segment, digital data for associating said authorization information with at least one program to be executed by said processing means for said computer user.
Relevance
a) storing digital authorization information in said memory means which restricts an associated program from accessing resources when executed by said digital data processing means which are accessible to said computer user; and b) storing in at least one segment, digital data for associating said authorization information with at least one program to be executed by said processing means for said computer user.
a) storing digital authorization information in said memory means which restricts an associated program from accessing resources when executed by said digital data processing means which are accessible to said computer user; and b) storing in at least one segment, digital data for associating said authorization information with at least one program to be executed by said processing means for said computer user.
Claim Chart
All
Claim 61
In a digital computer system for providing improved computer security having digital data processing means for executing a plurality of digital computer programs for a computer user and memory means for storing digital program instructions and digital data, apparatus for protecting a digital computer user from operations typically performable by a digital computer program executing on behalf of a user comprising:
a) means for storing digital authorization information in said memory means which restricts an associated program from performing operations, when executed by said processing means, which are available to said computer user; and
b) means for storing in at least one segment digital data for associating said authorization information with at least one program to be executed by said processing means.
Relevance
a) means for storing digital authorization information in said memory means which restricts an associated program from performing operations, when executed by said processing means, which are available to said computer user; and b) means for storing in at least one segment digital data for associating said authorization information with at least one program to be executed by said processing means.
a) means for storing digital authorization information in said memory means which restricts an associated program from performing operations, when executed by said processing means, which are available to said computer user; and b) means for storing in at least one segment digital data for associating said authorization information with at least one program to be executed by said processing means.
Claim Chart
All
Claim 1
In a digital computer system having a digital data processing means for executing a plurality of digital programs and a memory means for storing digital program instructions and digital data, apparatus for protecting a digital computer user from operations typically performable by a digital computer program executing on behalf of a user comprising:
a) means for storing a plurality of digital authorization entries in said memory means, wherein said entries qualify operations which an associated program is permitted to perform when executed by said processing means; and
b) means for storing in at least one segment, digital data for associating said authorization entries with at least one program.
Relevance
a) means for storing a plurality of digital authorization entries in said memory means, wherein said entries qualify operations which an associated program is permitted to perform when executed by said processing means; and b) means for storing in at least one segment, digital data for associating said authorization entries with at least one program.
a) means for storing a plurality of digital authorization entries in said memory means, wherein said entries qualify operations which an associated program is permitted to perform when executed by said processing means; and b) means for storing in at least one segment, digital data for associating said authorization entries with at least one program.
Claim Chart
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