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Software encryption and license control with CodeMeter USB dongles

WIBU-SYSTEMS AG
WIBU-SYSTEMS AG
  • WIBU-SYSTEMS AG
  • ICT and Industrial
  • Smart Factories and Robotics
  • Software

USB dongle (CmDongle) that prevents illegal copying of software and unauthorized use of licenses

This page focuses on the hardware-based USB dongle, one of the three types of control that Wibu-Systems can provide licenses for.

Your software is protected by licensing it with Wibu-Systems' Code Meter.

For other license controls, click here

*Wibu-Systems and CodeMeter are registered trademarks of WIBU-SYSTEMS AG.

For more information about Wibu-Systems' CodeMeter, please see here: Software Protection, Encryption and Licensing Solutions

CodeMeter license type: USB dongle functions

Highest level of security

The dongle contains a smart card chip.
It is rated EAL 5+ and protects against side-channel attacks such as Differential Power Analysis (DPA).

When it comes to software protection, CmDongles offer the highest level of security.
At the heart of every CmDongle is a smart card chip, which contains a microcontroller with a secure storage area for encryption keys and firmware.

Wibu-Systems currently uses smart card chips from Infineon Technologies, which are EAL 5+ rated and provide protection against side-channel attacks such as Differential Power Analysis (DPA).
Therefore, it is virtually impossible to read the key and copy the firmware.

When using a CmDongle, software publishers can independently encrypt and decrypt data using symmetric or asymmetric algorithms such as AES (Advanced Encryption Standard), RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman), or ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography), and sign or verify signatures on data.

Large license storage capacity

Each dongle has 328KB of license memory and can store up to 2000 licenses.
Mass storage devices (FLASH MEMORIES) of up to 64GB are available as options.

Each CmDongle has a memory for licenses of 328 KB and can store up to 2,000 licenses of different license models, each of which may be a concurrent multi-user license.

CmDongles also offer the option of mass storage (FLASH MEMORIES) up to 64 GB. This architecture allows you to distribute software and data directly through the CmDongle. Furthermore, your software can run from the CmDongle itself without driver installation (zero footprint) for a fully mobile experience.

CmDongles typically use industrial-grade SLC (Single-Level Cell) memory, which can be overwritten more frequently, is faster, and operates over a wider temperature range. More cost-effective MLC (Multi-Level Cell) memory is also available on request.

OS flexibility

It is multi-platform and compatible with a wide range of platforms including Windows, Mac, and Linux.

It is compatible with a wide range of platforms including Windows, Mac, and Linux, and we can provide flexible support to suit your environment.

Secure Internal Clock

The dongle has an internal clock, so it cannot be misused to turn back the time on a PC.

Each CmDongle has an internal clock. All time-based licenses are automatically checked against the internal clock on the CmDongle. This clock is located on a smart card chip and is tamper-protected. It provides an intelligent synchronization mechanism, is available in all form factors, and does not require a battery, which means unlimited runtime.

If desired, the CmSticks/T comes with an additional battery-powered clock that can be used as an additional reference for synchronizing the virtual clock. This particular CmStick is highly recommended for software with limited lifespans and infrequent use.

No driver required

Anyone can easily protect their PC with the simple operation of inserting the dongle into their PC.
The dongle allows you to move your license from one computer to another by inserting it into the required machine.

CmDongles are enabled with two communication interfaces: Mass Storage Device (MSD) or Human Interface Device (HID). This means that no additional drivers are required and users can connect and use the CmDongle on their PC without administrator privileges. Software vendors can make the choice before delivering the unit and configure HID or MSD themselves, or leave the choice to their customers.

Wide variety

We have a wide variety of dongles available, including many dongles with FLASH MEMORIES.

We offer a variety of dongles, from standard plastic types to metal case types, and long and short types.
We also offer the option to include your own original engraving.

CodeMeter Licensing Model

We can create a variety of license models, so we will guide you through the optimal license setup method based on your sales strategy.

License ModelContent
Single User LicenseThe license is stored on the local PC, on a local device, or on a CmDongle connected to the local PC.
The software runs on the same computer/machine.
Feature-on-Demand LicenseIndividual licenses are used to enable specific product features and modules.
This allows you to generate additional revenue through the sale of add-ons.
Network LicenseLicenses are stored on a license server within the network.
It is used on a PC as a floating license.
License with Downgrade RightsThis license includes the right to optionally use older versions of the program.
This license allows the customer to migrate all clients to the new version at a later date,
Software publishers are not required to sell old releases.
License with upgrade rightsThis license includes the right to use new versions of the program at your option.
With this type of license, your revenue will not drop until a new version is released.
Demo/Trial LicenseUsers will only have Access to your designated software features for a limited time.
Rental/lease/subscriptionSpecify the validity period of your license. CodeMeter License Central
You can automatically extend the validity period of your license.
Perpetual LicenseThe license is issued as a perpetual license and will never expire.
Pay-per-use licenseBilling is based on the number of units used. Whether billing is time-based or feature-based
You can also decide whether to pay before or after use.

License information error handling

Error messages for when license requirements are not met or the dongle is not inserted can be customized to your own message.
We also provide samples in around 10 languages to support multiple languages.

  • original

  • Multilingual support (English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, etc.)

  • Custom View

CodeMeter Dongle List

  • CmStick

    Standard version USB

  • CmStick/B

    Compact and durable metal integrated USB

  • CmStick/C Basic

    Ultra-compact USB

  • CmStick/D

    USB Type-C support
    Cap and metal case included

  • CmStick ME

    Metal Case USB

  • CmStick/T

    Metal case, battery-powered, built-in real-time clock, USB

  • CmStick/IV

    Internal USB 2x5 SOCKETS grid size

  • CodeMeter ASIC

    ASIC for custom integration

List of CodeMeter dongles with FLASH MEMORIES

  • CmStick/BMC

    Compact and durable all-in-one metal body with built-in MLC FLASH MEMORIES
    16-32 GB
    USB

  • CmStick/BMI

    Compact and durable all-in-one metal body with built-in p-SLC FLASH MEMORIES
    8-16 GB
    USB

  • CmStick/DMC

    USB Type-C support
    Cap and metal case included
    Built-in MLC FLASH MEMORIES
    16 GB

  • CmStick/DMI

    USB Type-C support
    Cap and metal case included
    Built-in p-SLC FLASH MEMORIES
    8 GB

  • CmStick/MC

    Metal case and high quality 2 bit MLC flash memory
    16 GB – 32 GB
    USB

  • CmStick/MI

    Metal case and high quality 2 pSLC flash memory
    8 GB – 16 GB
    USB

  • CmCard/CFast

    CFast card with built-in SLC FLASH MEMORIES
    2 GB – 16 GB

  • CmCard/microSD

    Micro SD card with built-in MLC FLASH MEMORIES
    8 GB

  • CmCard/SD

    SLC FLASH MEMORIES built-in SD card
    4 GB

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