Copy Protection Methods
Some background Information on the most popular copy protection
methods that are being widely used on commercial CD's:
SafeDisk 1 The SafeDisc technology is a software-based
solution that does not require any changes to standard PC
or CD-ROM hardware. It is comprised of both an authenticating
digital signature embedded on the disc, as well as a multi-layered
encrypted wrapper that secures the CD-ROM content. The digital
signature, which cannot be copied by CD recorders or mastering
equipment, is embedded by the laser beam recorder at the time
the CD-ROM master is made at the mastering/replication facility.
SafeDisk 2.0 SAFEDISC 2.0 is an enhanced secure protection
system and represents a quantum leap in product enhancements,
supported by rigorous research and development, Q/A testing
and certification during the past 18 months since SAFEDISC
was first introduced. Major Features of SafeDisc 2.0
* API support - the SAFEDISC toolkit includes an API that
will allow publishers to extend the SAFEDISC security to encrypt
various functions contained in their content.
* New architecture - major re-architecture of the SAFEDISC
code to disable automated hacking tools and to include additional
encryption to delay hacking.
* Disc burning prevention - introduction of additional digital
signatures to improve resistance against copying.
* Fail-safe manufacturing - assures that SAFEDISC masters
will only be mastered on SAFEDISC-enabled production lines.
SecuRom 1 & 2 SecuROM is a patented CD-ROM copy protection
technology that identifies a 'genuine' CD-ROM by a special
authentication mechanism. During Sony DADC's mastering process
an electronic fingerprint is applied onto the glass master
which assigns a unique number to each CD-ROM title.
SecuROM 2 is of a more advanced over SecuRom version
1, therefore making copies of CDs harder, it also detects
if it is being run from CD-R media. Fade A new copy protection
made by the game manufacture Codemasters
. If a pirate CD is identified, the game automatically disables
key gaming features and instigates a number of subtle changes
that adversely effect game play. Anyone attempting to play
an illegal copy of a Fade protected CD will begin with a game
that looks and plays just like the real thing. However, over
a period of time, the game gradually self-modifies and degrades
elements of play to a point where the game is no longer playable.
PSX/Libcrypt The LibCrypt protection was first introduced
in 1998 with the release of PoPoRogue (Japan) & MediEvil (Europe).
The protection uses a Digital ID (16 bit key), which is stored
in the SubChannel of a CD-ROM. Until now there have been 4
different protection schemes: LC1, LC2, LC3 & LC4. ProtectCD
With VOB ProtectCD you can easily create your own copy-protected
CDs. ProtectCD works together with the CD-WIZARD (Gold and
Pro) and creates pre-masters. CDs created from this masters
can't be copied with common CD-Recorders and CD-Rs. The second
part of ProtectCD is the complete integration in your programs
or InstallShield Scripts. Protected Audio CD - Cactus Data
Shield Prevents any type of unauthorized digital duplication
of CDs, DVDs and proprietary formats (Music, Video or Data).
Illegal TOC (Table of contents) This protection can be recognized
when looking at the CD tracks. Usually there seems to be a
second Data track (usually after some audio tracks). The CD
ISO standards don't allow this thus the name Illegal TOC.
In most cases the second Data track is pointing to the first
Data track or parts of another track.
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