Patent attributes
The present invention relates to a method for authenticating software. The method comprises defining a set of parameters to use for trace mapping the software, wherein the set of parameters represents the software functionality when executed. The method further comprises: a) creating a trusted fingerprint that is created by trace mapping the software using the set of parameters when executed in a trusted environment; b) creating an operating fingerprint that is created by trace mapping the software using the set of parameters when executed in an operating environment; c) comparing the operating fingerprint with the trusted fingerprint, and identifying any difference between the trusted fingerprint and the operating fingerprint; and d) when said operating fingerprint is non-identical with the trusted fingerprint, initiating predefined action(s) in response to the identified differences between the trusted fingerprint and the operating fingerprint.