Locklizard Flashguard Flash Security released to stop IPR pirates decompiling and copying flash files and control what authorized users can do with them

Flash security to secure SWF files

Date: May 18th 2009

Flash DRM secures flash files from unauthorized use and misuse

Locklizard Flashguard is a unique flash security product that protects Adobe SWF flash files with strong encryption and DRM controls to stop IPR pirates in their tracks. It protects both the displayed flash file and the underlying source code (action scripts and multimedia objects) from decompiling, unauthorized copying, modifying, screen grabbing, printing, saving and distribution, without altering the code and structure.

Locklizard are pleased to announce Locklizard Flashguard Flash Security, their latest product extending the range and reach of their DRM management systems to shockwave flash (swf) files.

Flashguard is a unique flash protection product allowing companies that publish or sell flash files (SWF files) to ensure complete protection of their intellectual property.  It prevents decompiling of flash files and controls what users can do with the displayed content.  Flashguard secures flash files against decompiling, unauthorized viewing, copying, sharing, modifying, saving, screen grabbing and printing.  The source files (FLA files – multimedia objects, images and scripts that make up an SWF file) are always protected against editing and misuse.

Flashguard is able to prevent users from making unlicensed copies of flash files, whilst losing none of the flexibility and capability of the format that allows both creator and user to work in a flexible and highly interactive way.  It provides the usual DRM controls such as setting an end date for the use of a file (useful if a product is being rented rather than sold) and includes the ability to remove licenses in realtime if the recipient is misusing the product.

Flashguard is not an obfuscation product but a fully fledged Flash DRM protection system.  Obfuscation products don’t actually encrypt source code, they just alter the code and structure, often causing flash files to stop functioning correctly or at all. Flashguard completely encrypts the source code (with AES encryption) preventing programs decompiling your SWF files to FLA files.  Your source code is not altered in any way – ensuring your flash files continue working as before they were protected.  Content is only ever decrypted in memory and your nested scripts, objects, images, and animation are fully secured at all times.  In addition Flashguard DRM controls who can view your flash files, how long or how many times they can be viewed, and whether printing is allowed.  It also stops screenshots of your flash files from being taken.

Flash Player Security ensures your flash files cannot be compromised by other applications, browser flaws, bugs, or the common Adobe flash security issues.

Flashguard has significant appeal to training course providers, who can now take realistic steps to protect what is very expensive development work for them.  So trainers can afford to develop many more courses that achieve the potential for user interactivity that these mediums present than was possible with the more static approaches in PowerPoint or PDF.  But without giving it away.

Many flash games (and their underlying intellectual capability) are effectively ‘given away’, because they cannot be adequately protected, whilst there continue to be markets, such as simulation exercises, which are more closely guarded secrets.  Flashguard enables these markets through the introduction of a more effective layer of protection.  “The introduction of Flashguard allows many organizations that were previously unwilling to commit their IPR into flash because of security concerns, to move ahead”, said Dr Mathews. “Many companies have realized the potential of flash as an interactive medium, but have been afraid to publish content in this format as there has been no means of protecting it.  Now, more than ever before, the new technologies have to earn their promise of lowering cost and increasing profit.  But without giving everything away.”

Locklizard Flashguard flash security entry level pricing is just $2495 for a subscription license, with perpetual and own server licenses available.  More information to secure flash files can be found at www.locklizard.com