SafeGuard-IT Projects
SafeGuard-IT is an ActiveX control for Windows which works with the FT232R and FT245R devices to provide security dongle functionality. The SafeGuard-IT component works by exploiting the FTDIChip-ID feature of the FT232R and FT245R ICs together with an asymmetric public-private key encryption scheme.
The SafeGuard-IT security scheme works as follows:
Generate a public-private key pair using the SafeGuard-IT control. These keys should be saved to files.
Encrypt the FTDIChip-ID using the private key and an optional password. This encrypted information is then stored in the on-chip EEPROM.
Distribute the programmed FT245R (or FT245R) with the application software. The Safeguard-IT DLL file and the public key are also required by the application software.
When the application software is loaded, it can use the SafeGuard-IT control to verify that the required FT245R (or FT245R) device is connected to the client PC. This can be used to prevent software from running if a licensed dongle is not connected.
The SafeGuard-IT ActiveX control is available as a free download with example code in various languages.
A programmer’s guide is also available.
The USB-Key is compatible with the new ActiveX control for security applications.