Reconfigurable Processor Technology for Software Protection

In today's world, wars can be won and lost through technological espionage as much as on the battlefield. Government computer systems must be safeguarded from computer hackers who seek to steal and undermine software applications.One promising technology for software protection is in reconfigurable processors: CPUs which change their opcodes dynamically. This technology holds the promise of being extremely difficult, if not impossible, to hack.Luna Innovations, along with Virginia Tech's Reconfigurable Computing group, seeks to research and design such a processor. This task will require expertise in hardware and software design as well as a clear understanding of the capabilities andchallenges of reconfigurable processors. Luna's expertise in software and hardware design coupled with the Virginia Tech Reconfigurable Computing group's knowledge of processors will lead to a successful design. Reconfigurable processor technology has wide reaching application beyond the government sector. They could be used to safeguard software in business environments to prevent corporate espionage, or anywhere that the safeguarding of software applicationsis necessary.