SecuROM

SecuROM™ is a copy control system for content distributed via CD-ROM and DVD-ROM. It was developed and is maintained by Sony DADC Austria. Replication of SecuROM™-protected titles is available throughout the world.

Any software developer or publisher who has content subject to illegal copying can benefit from the use of SecuROM™ copy control. The only requirement is an executable that can be encrypted with the SecuROM™ software.

SecuROM™ uses two components for copy control: 1) Software, in the form of strong encryption, and 2) hardware, in the form of a special signature applied to the disc during manufacturing. The protected executable of a CD-ROM title is tied to the signature on the CD by an authentication routine executed at program launch (this can be customized as described under item number 7 below). If the original CD is detected, the program launches properly. If an illegally copied disc is detected in the local CD drive, the program will not launch and the end -user will receive an error message. SecuROM™ technology suppresses CD-ROM to CD-R copying, DVD-ROM to DVD-R copying, Internet image distribution, and professional piracy.

Financial models show that an investment in SecuROM™ reaches a break-even point at piracy rates as low as 1%. Higher piracy rates yield a greater return. Please contact our sales group through our Online Inquiry section for more details.

Charges for SecuROM™ apply only at replication. There is typically a small per-title charge and a royalty assessed to each replicated disc. There is no charge for encryption or for the use of any SecuROM™ system components. Please use the Online Inquiry section for pricing information.

Yes. All of the content of a SecuROM™-protected title can be installed to a hard disk. In fact, most protected titles use a full hard drive installation. However, in order for the title to launch properly, the genuine SecuROM™ CD-ROM/DVD-ROM must be present in a local drive. Once authentication takes place, the title can run solely from the hard disk.

Yes. SecuROM™s Advanced Programming Interface (SecuROM™ API) allows custom copy control. This requires that some additional code be placed in the program code to work hand-in-hand with the SecuROM™ encryption engine. The use of this feature allows for "programmer-placed" authentication checks for original CD, emulator, and executable modification (checksum). Contact support@SecuROM.com for more details.

Yes. A typical application of a multi-disc set consists of multiple install discs and one disc which is designated as the "play" disc. The SecuROM™ authentication signature can be applied to any and all discs. The signature does not have to be on the same disc as the protected executable. Please contact support@SecuROM.com for additional details.

Yes. Keep in mind each participant will require an original SecuROM™ protected disc in their local drive.

Yes. There is no limit to the number of applications that can be protected on a single SecuROM™- protected disc. If this is a desired option, please contact support@SecuROM.com for details on how to best encrypt multiple titles.

Yes. If you wish to release a patch of a protected title, updated executables can be encrypted using the same project on the SecuROM™ server that was used with the original release. The patch can be tested and then released. The authentication routine for the patch will be the same as for the original. An added benefit to re-encryption of an executable for patch release is the ability to take advantage of any updates to the security or compatibility of SecuROM™ made since the original title release.

Yes. Care should be taken to avoid release of any unprotected versions of a title. It is fairly simple for hackers to swap out an unprotected executable for a protected one and burn unprotected copies, defeating the intent of copy control.

Yes. If the beta version contains an executable that can be easily modified to run the protected title, once again, pirated duplicates may appear. The unprotected executable may even find its way onto the Internet and impact sales. One strategy for beta or press release versions is to distribute a protected title on CD-R and link the executable to a title-specific SecuROM™ disc. Contact support@SecuROM.com for more details.

In comparison to other copy control technologies, SecuROM™ offers a high level of security against one-to-one copies and other circumvention methods.

An executable is protected using a 128 bit, SSL Internet connection and is received during the same session. The SecuROM™ server is available 24/7. Consequently, unlike other protection technologies, SecuROM™ offers virtually instant encryption. An executable is protected using a 128 bit, SSL Internet connection and is received during the same session. The SecuROM™ server is available 24/7. Consequently, unlike other protection technologies, SecuROM™ offers virtually instant encryption.

SecuROM™ supports 32-bit executables for Windows written in C, C++, Visual Basic, Pascal, and Macromedia Director as well as software in Macintosh format. Other formats may qualify for protection. Please contact support@SecuROM.com for additional information

SecuROM™ supports Macintosh OS 8.6 to 9.x as well as OS 10.1 or higher.
For more information please contact support@SecuROM.com.

SecuROM™ supports Windows™ 98 Second Edition, Windows™ 2000, Windows™ Me, Windows™ XP and Windows™ Vista.

There is no charge for doing multiple encryptions of software. Consequently, an executable can be protected and tested throughout the development phase. Pre-production testing is accomplished by using a publisher-unique Universal Key Disc (UKD). UKDs are supplied to the publisher at no charge and are included with the software CD shipment. Charges apply only upon replication of the actual title.

Historically, SecuROM™ offers the highest CD/DVD drive compatibility of any copy control system on the market. Incompatibility occurrences are usually resolved in a short period of time.

The SecuROM™ copy control system is under continuous improvement. Security and compatibility issue improvements require upgrades to the SecuROM™ encryption engine. Upgrades, as they become available, are loaded on the server side. No upgrade to the local encryption software is necessary. All SecuROM™ customers are notified of updates with corresponding release notes.

No. The master CD is sent to an approved SecuROM™ enabled replicator without any additional steps (other than inclusion of the protected executable). The publisher should notify the replicator as to the location and name of the protected executable(s). Also, if the executable is embedded in an installer, a method for extracting it should be supplied. Please contact our sales group through our Online Inquiry section for a complete listing of SecuROM™ enabled plants.

SecuROM™ is available in two formats: disc-based and online-activation based. The disc version does not use any Internet connectivity for operation. SecuROM Product Activation uses an Internet connection to request a license for the desired application. The communication is a simple request and response to a server used for this purpose. No personal information is collected or stored during this or any SecuROM™ process.

SecuROM™ is a copy control system implemented by software publishers to protect their intellectual property. In the course of implementing the solution, certain files are installed to allow the system to behave properly. These files are not malicious in any way and are easily removed by an end-user, if desired.

The Windows registry is a directory which stores settings and options for the operating system for Microsoft Windows. It contains information and settings for all the hardware, operating system software, most non-operating system software, users, preferences of the PC, etc. As part of the SecuROM Product Activation system, certain license information is stored within this "!CAUTION! NEVER DELETE OR CHANGE ANY KEY" registry key. The intention is to prevent users from inadvertently deleting keys/values stored beneath that key. In addition, the key name clearly states that users should not delete this part of the registry.

SecuROM™ makes no setting changes to any anti-virus program(s) (or any software for that matter).

SecuROM™ does not damage any optical drives.

SecuROM™ does not disable any printer or scanners and does not change any settings.

SecuROM™ does not change the recognition of a camera or camcorder by an end-users PC.

SecuROM™ makes no setting changes to any firewall program(s) (or any software for that matter).

SecuROM™ does not damage a computer in any way. Great care has been taken to make sure our system is sound and compatible.

XCP is a third part software applied to some music CDs. SecuROM™ is not related in any way to XCP.

A "rootkit" can be described as software or a set of software tools intended to conceal running processes, files or system data from the operating system and which can open ports to allow remote access to the system. A "rootkit" makes it possible for viruses or other malicious programs ("malware") to hide content on a user's PC. In this way, a virus or other malware may remain undetected, even if updated anti-virus software is installed. SecuROM™ does not use any root kit technology in its implementation.

This is an incorrect detection by a software program. The same detection could be made of other software. Other "rootkit" detectors do not detect SecuROM™ as such.

SecuROM™ does not collect any personal information.

To remove all SecuROM™ related files (except the DRM information) please follow the instructions below. Before you start the deinstallation, close all programs which are running in the background, especially be sure that no instance of the Windows Explorer is running.

Open the Windows command box by pressing and selecting the option. Now type 'cmd' (without 's) and press on the keyboard.
Please type enter the path to the protected executable, e.g. "C:\Program Files\My Game\game.exe"
Add the following parameter and hit : /uninstall
A dialog box will appear. To start the SecuROM™ deinstallation, press the button.

Note: These instructions will work only for applications protected with SecuROM™ version 7.24 or higher.

SecuROM™ does not automatically disable any burning or emulation programs. Since some emulation programs can be used to circumvent SecuROM™, we may request they be manually disabled before a software title protected with SecuROM™ can be successfully launched.