US Patent 8495389 Locking changing hard disk content to a hardware token

A method for preventing unauthorized use of a software program on a computing device includes updating a state of a software program on a computing device to an updated state. Transmitting an update signal from the software program to a hardware token coupled to the computing device and updating a state of the hardware token to an updated state in response to the received update signal. Performing a first cryptographic check using the updated state of the software program and the updated state of the hardware token with the hardware token. Transmitting the first cryptographic check from the hardware token to the software program and performing a second cryptographic check using the state of the hardware token and the state of the software program with the computing device. Comparing the second cryptographic check to the first cryptographic check with the computing device, and preventing the software program from running on the computing device if the first cryptographic check does not match the second cryptographic check.