software-hardening-licensing

Use this skill when

• Preparing a Python application for commercial release.
• Protecting source code from reverse engineering or unauthorized access.
• Implementing license key validation (offline or online).
• Setting up trial modes, feature-gating, or subscription-based access.
• Hardening software against common bypass techniques.

Instructions

• Use PyArmor (latest) for advanced Python code obfuscation.
• Never store plain-text secrets or keys in the source code.
• Implement asymmetric encryption (RSA) for license signature verification.
• Combine code protection with environment binding (Hardware ID, MAC address).
• Always include a graceful fallback for licensing server downtime.

Capabilities

Code Protection & Obfuscation

• PyArmor Mastery: Obfuscating scripts, bundling dependencies, and runtime security.
• Cross-Platform Hardening: Windows-specific (PE), macOS (Mach-O), and Linux safety.
• Anti-Debugging: Implementing checks to detect debuggers or VM environments.
• Dependency Guarding: Protecting compiled .so / .pyd files.

Licensing Models

• Subscription Management: Integration with Stripe/Paddle for recurring billing.
• License Keys: Generating and validating cryptographically secure keys (RSA-2048+).
• Trial & Evergreen Models: Implementing time-based access and perpetual licenses.
• Feature Gating: Dynamically enabling/disabling UI features based on license tier.

DRM & Security

• Hardware Binding: Locking software to specific machines (Machine Fingerprinting).
• Online Activation: Building secure activation servers with FastAPI or Go.
• Offline Validation: Public-key verification for air-gapped systems.
• Tamper Detection: Verifying integrity of the executable and resource files.

IP Commercialization

• Packaging for Sales: Designing the installer (Inno Setup, NSIS, DMG) to include license EULA.
• Version Control per Tier: Managing different builds (Lite, Pro, Enterprise).
• Internal Audit Trails: Logging activation events (privacy-compliant).

Example Interactions

• “Obfuscate my PyQt app using PyArmor to prevent source code leaks.”
• “Implement an RSA-based license key generator and validator in Python.”
• “How do I bind this software to a specific hardware ID to prevent piracy?”
• “Set up a feature-gating system that unlocks ‘Easy Mode’ vs ‘Pro Mode’ via a license file.”