Hidden Alias Files

SoftwareShield System Feature Guide > Alias Files > Hidden Alias Files

## Hidden Alias Files

You should already have read Alias Files and How to Create Alias Files.

Hidden Alias Files are exactly that - files which are hidden. More specifically, they are encrypted and compressed complete copies of the Main License File and are always kept synchronized with it. Whenever the main license file changes, all the alias files (including the hidden ones) are immediately updated.

They are hidden using five techniques:

1. The Windows "hidden" property.

2. The Windows "system" property.

3. The Windows file time-stamp is altered so that they always appear to have been created a couple years in the past. (and that date never changes even when they are written to).

4. Placing them in inconspicuous folders.

5. Naming them inconspicuously.

For example, a typical hidden alias file might reside in the Windows system directory, be marked with Windows as "hidden system file" and be named "kern98fpx.dll".

When you define a hidden alias file, you have the option of placing it in a number of different directories and naming it what you wish.

There are important security considerations when making decisions regarding how to use Hidden Alias Files. Please be sure you have read the section on Windows Permissions and Security Considerations.

### More Information

For help in understanding how to create Alias Files in general, see How to Create Alias Files.

For help in actually creating Hidden Alias File definitions for your license, see Creating Hidden Alias Files in the SoftwareShield License Manager Reference.