[python-win32] Protecting Packaged Python Apps

[Jeff Shannon]

> --- Tom Churm <churmtom@hotmail.com> wrote:
> > 4)is there perhaps a way to encode python script
> > before freezing it?
>
> No - Python is way too dynamic for that to work. You
> could do something like encrypting the source, but the
> key would have to be in the package - I suppose you
> could make a C extension that stores the key
> internally and use that to decrypt python source code
> on the fly.

Note, however, that it's very difficult to protect even compiled-C exe's from
piracy.  Look at how many "cracks" are available for all sorts of commercial
software -- it's virtually impossible to make uncrackable software.  Anyone
who's determined enough to decrypt/reverse engineer the code in your py2exe
files is probably going to be able to break any *other* security measures you
use, too.  Your efforts are probably better spent in creating a usable licensing
scheme that encourages people to pay, rather than in trying to create a "secure"
executable.

Jeff Shannon
Technician/Programmer
Credit International