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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