Irdeto Access, which specializes in content protection and management, has patented a technology that lets content owners trace the source of pirated content. It is incorporated into Irdeto's overall security management program for pay-media operators and content owners.
With the technology, operators can track down the initial smart card of the device originally used to decrypt the content. Fingerprints are inserted into the encrypted content by a secure device or smart card. Irdeto says that the advantage of its technology over other fingerprinting techniques is that the insertion process is secured within the smart card and can't be easily tampered with.
The technology has an upgrade mechanism of watermarking or fingerprinting the algorithm without impacting the set top box or player device to provide for new developments in the field. Insertion of a watermark is possible at any point in the delivery chain and does not require decryption.
A new smart card version is in the works and will be released regardless of whether or not the existing card had been hacked--a move that Irdeto thinks will reduce the appeal of piracy due to the smaller volumes of each card version in the field. In addition to using encryption technology to combat piracy, Irdeto works to investigate suspected fraud and counterfeit and close co-operation with international bodies.
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