3 replies to this topic

[Novice Alex]

Hi Chris, Just like to know what are the ways to encrypt our program code in the N+ to prevent others from decrypt it? I have completed a commercial project and would like to protect the program. Please advise. Regards, Novice Alex

[Chris Walker]

Hi Novice Alex, Let me start with a few tips and let others chime in as well... Since .NET code is a close approximation to C# source, you may want to look at a program like Dotfuscator which will help keep your code from getting decompiled easily. NETMF HEX files are already one step away from standard MSIL DLLs, but in theory they're still MSIL. My second recommendation is to add a security key to your deployment file (using MFDeploy) and using an "RTM" version of NETMF firmware to lock out any debuggers This will help make sure your board uses signed firmware. We use direct flashing and custom boot loaders for commercial projects...but we can search around for some documentation on MFDeploy's signing/encryption methods if needed. Chris

[Novice Alex]

Hi Novice Alex,

Let me start with a few tips and let others chime in as well...

Since .NET code is a close approximation to C# source, you may want to look at a program like Dotfuscator which will help keep your code from getting decompiled easily. NETMF HEX files are already one step away from standard MSIL DLLs, but in theory they're still MSIL.

My second recommendation is to add a security key to your deployment file (using MFDeploy) and using an "RTM" version of NETMF firmware to lock out any debuggers This will help make sure your board uses signed firmware.

We use direct flashing and custom boot loaders for commercial projects...but we can search around for some documentation on MFDeploy's signing/encryption methods if needed.

Chris

Hi Chris,

Noted. Just like to know that steps for the MFDeploy, is it that I only need to selected the "encrypted" exe and it will deploy to the correct segment of the N+? So far, I only use MFDeploy for the firmware upgrades procedures.

Also for the security key, how and what are the steps on implementing it?

Sorry for my ignorance and thanks for the advice in advance.

Regards,
Novice Alex

[johnstaveley]

Hello Chris, do you have any more information on securing the netduino such that the program can never be extracted or viewed and is effectively sealed for modification. You hint this is possible above without saying it so it would be nice to have this at least confirmed. I would like to use the Netduino for a commercial project. thanks