Alias Files

SoftwareShield System Feature Guide > Alias Files

## Alias Files

The Main License File is mirrored in up to nine Alias Files at all times during execution for redundancy and security. You have the option of how many to use, (if at all). We recommend that you use three. However, if you are quite concerned about security you can use more, or - if you are more concerned about possible support costs when the user accidentally deletes one, use less (or none at all).

Alias Files are either complete copies of the entire license file (encrypted and compressed) or they are cryptographically secure hashes of them (like a CRC). Alias files are always kept synchronized with the Main License File. They are used to ensure that the Main License File has not been tampered with by verifying that all copies of the license (main license file and any alias files) corroborate in every detail. If they do not, the ClientProtector component will alert your application and you can take appropriate action.

Alias Files have three basic types. Three subsections describe these three types in more detail:

1. Hidden Alias Files They are complete copies of the Main License File.

2. Registry Alias Files Hidden registry keys which are cryptographically secure hashes of the of the Main License File.

3. Steganographic Alias Files Actual bitmap image files. The pixels of the image in these files physically contain a cryptographically secure hash of the main license file.

Steganographic Alias Files are the only kind of alias file that you must distribute with your application. Hidden Alias Files and Registry Alias Files are both created at run-time when required. Do not distribute Hidden Alias Files or manually make Registry Alias File entries.

### More Information

For help on how to actually define how many and what type of Alias Files your license uses, see Alias License File Tab in the SoftwareShield License Manager Reference.

For help understanding the three types of Alias Files, see the subsections Hidden Alias Files, Registry Alias Files and Steganographic Alias Files.