SecuROM

SecuROM is a CD / DVD copy protection by Sony DADC for Microsoft Windows and Mac OS. The current version is SecuROM v8 ( first used in Medal of Honor ( 2010) ). Visible are CDs and DVDs with SecuROM usually by labeling "Sony DADC " on the inner edge of the disc, however this must not be present. In addition, SecuROM placed in the Windows registry database the key " HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ SecuROM " to.

• 2.1 Limited number of authorizations
• 2.2 resaleability DRM protected games

History and Technology

SecuROM ( v1.x - v3.x )

In the contents of the protected CD -ROM or in the installation directory of the software, the following files should exist:

• CMS16.DLL
• CMS_95.DLL
• CMS_NT.DLL

However, these files are missing on some CDs.

SecuROM v7

SecuROM 7:40 is the current version, which is mainly used for games and also for some applications. SecuROM is a market leader in this area.

The way how SecuROM works is basically always the same, but Sony offers publishers the opportunity to use different options. For example, the storage media (CD / DVD) is in some games to start the game no longer needed (for example, Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 ) other games ( such as Bioshock ) still require the original media in order to start the game can.

For older versions of SecuROM UA7Service.exe a service on Windows is installed. This allows multiple user accounts to use the same license data. This service is no longer used in current versions of SecuROM.

SecuROM protected CDs / DVDs have physical peculiarities in the arrangement of the data on, after which sought at the start of the protected program, and which can not be duplicated by conventional CD / DVD burners.

In addition to the SecuROM version, which is based on a CD / DVD -Check, has existed for some time as SecuROM digital rights management (English Digital Rights Management DRM) in which it is no longer necessary in most cases that the CD / DVD is in the drive when starting the software. As the publisher also decides whether and how DRM is used for the program, not any protected program behaves the same. Many applications of this type can be authenticated only via the Internet. Furthermore, some programs limit the number of authentications, others can be authenticated as often. In some protected with SecuROM programs ( Sacred 2 ) there is also the possibility to authenticate the game by e -mail. With a revoke tool can already be consumed authentications reset again, but this possibility is not offered in all programs, as some publishers may not integrated this feature into the software.

During authentication the game a serial number and a request code will be sent to SecuROM Product Activation server. The serial number is provided by the software manufacturer. The Request Code is a unique identification code composed of the application itself and hashes of hardware components of the computer used. This ensures that the activation is attached to the computer. It should not be possible to calculate this code from the hash values ​​back.

SecuROM also prevents the installation of software in a virtual environment such as VMware and VirtualBox under it would be possible for example. Having been in business, more and more virtualization techniques are used and the user usually only work with thin clients, this is a problem, since a separate computer for the software must be purchased. This fact is shown only after purchase of the software. A labeling requirement, including a duty to warn, it would be possible to draw in advance only the software provider of whose software can be operated in the infrastructure of the company without problems and hurdles.

Criticism

SecuROM hidden registry entries, to protect them from accidental deletion, because they will also license information is stored. This makes it the RootkitRevealer program from Microsoft (formerly from SysInternals ) classified as a rootkit. Criticism is also found primarily at the game companies that use copy protection. These include, for example, does not indicate that the copy is left on the PC after uninstalling the game. Since SecuROM engages in the kernel, it can lead to a crash of the PC, which has already led to a lawsuit against EA. This SecuROM driver can be uninstalled by using an appropriate tool. However, if later, a protected game is started again, even the SecuROM driver is reinstalled.

Since the SecuROM copy protection is tailored to the needs of the customer - in this case, usually the publisher, for example, Electronic Arts - there are many different variations of copy protection. Electronic Arts uses a relatively aggressive version of SecuROM and had originally announced, despite protests, to equip all its future games with the DRM version of SecuROM copy protection. However, EA changed its policy in early 2009 and announced for The Sims 3 that the game would appear without DRM. In addition, the company offers a program that allows users to manage the rights themselves.

Limited number of authorizations

The mandatory online authorization that is performed when you first start, is limited in the case of current Electronic Arts games on five operations. Here, the computer is authenticated online and you can later uninstall the game on this computer again and reinstall it. A new activation is required when changes more than an important component of the computer. This also applies to the operating system. Who, for example, Windows XP upgraded to Windows Vista, its games must be re- authorize. Games must be reauthorized also when the computer, for example by a virus infection, can not be started and the system must be reinstalled.

Electronic Arts has released a Deautorisierungsprogramm, with which the customer can de-authorize his spent activation again, if the game was released after May 2008. This process, referred to as provoking mode, there are already other SecuROM games like Sacred 2

Are all available installations consumed, one can be requested by telephone at Electronic Arts in older games further activation. However, you will have to justify why you need another activation. Electronic Arts decided individually in each case whether further activation is provided or not. In addition, the customer derives any additional costs involved, as it is in the phone number to a pay hotline. The use of this hotline minors need the consent of a parent or guardian before.

Resaleability DRM protected games

Another criticism of DRM protected games is that they can be often sell heavy hand. Since you can not tell from the outside whether all activations are present, or whether the authorizations were reset properly, it is virtually impossible to determine for dealers of used software, if the game ever again can be authorized and thus is again for sale.

Critics believe that this effect is desired by the publishers and throw them of obstructing the used games market targeted.