Kernel-mode Software Protection to Prevent Piracy, Reverse Engineering, and Tampering of End-Node Applications

Traditional software developed for most general-purpose computing platforms conforms to some pre-determined standard file structure. This standardized structure is important because it allows files to be efficiently loaded by the operating system, easily debugged and analyzed, and makes them portable. While this feature is beneficial for the distribution and sharing of software, it runs counter to the basic tenets of computer and information security. Some of the most popular file formats for x86 based operating have little or no capabilities to protect the software from reverse engineering, tampering, and access by unauthorized individuals. To counter these weaknesses, Pikewerks will employ an existing proprietary software algorithm and conceptual data protection methodologies to develop and test a Windows based data security system called WinEA (Windows Electronic Armor). The solution, based on a proven methodology (Electronic Armor) that was developed to protect high-performance super computers from insider threat and hackers, will supply protection for programs and information in a wide range of environments including end user applications.