CN115080998A - Method, system, electronic device and storage medium for preventing firmware from being illegally copied - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method, system, electronic device and storage medium for preventing firmware from being illegally copied, including the following steps: a control unit generates a first random number, and sends the first random number to an encryption unit; the encryption unit receives the first random number, Calculate the first random number, obtain the first calculation result and send it to the control unit; the control unit calculates based on the first random number to obtain the second calculation result; the control unit judges whether the encryption unit returns within the preset time period If the first calculation result is received, it is judged whether the second calculation result matches the first calculation result; if it matches, it is judged that the firmware is legal; The first calculation result determines that the firmware is illegal. The invention can effectively prevent the firmware from being illegally copied or duplicated, reduce risks and losses, and effectively protect the intellectual property rights of the firmware owner.

Description

Method, system, electronic device and storage medium for preventing firmware from being illegally copied

technical field

The present invention relates to the field of electronic technology, and more particularly, to a method, system, electronic device and storage medium for preventing firmware from being illegally copied.

Background technique

With the wide application of intelligent electronic products, MCU-based embedded systems are more and more widely used. The software that directs the MCU to run, commonly known as "firmware", constitutes the core intellectual property of the product and is also the core competitiveness of the product factory. Because hardware is easy to be cracked, imitated, etc., and software determines various details of product control, but its principles cannot be directly known. In addition, in the product development cycle, the workload of software development is far greater than that of hardware. Once it is cracked or copied, the product manufacturer will suffer heavy losses. Therefore, protecting the firmware of the product from illegal copying is a must for all embedded system product manufacturers. very important issue.

For a simple MCU, since there is a built-in Flash memory to store the firmware, as long as the programmer is set to "prevent reading" during programming, the firmware can be prevented from being illegally read and written to other MCU chips, so protection is not a problem. . However, for complex MCUs, the firmware is very complex and huge, and the corresponding Flash volume requirements are also very large. Due to the limitations of the IC manufacturing process, the built-in Flash of the MCU can no longer be satisfied, and only a dedicated Flash memory, namely NAND Flash, can be used. However, the content of NAND Flash It is easy to read, so there is still a risk of illegal copying of firmware for complex MCUs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a method, system, electronic device and storage medium for preventing firmware from being illegally copied in view of the defects of the prior art.

The technical scheme adopted by the present invention to solve the technical problem is: construct a method for preventing firmware from being illegally copied, comprising the following steps:

The control unit generates a first random number, and sends the first random number to the encryption unit;

The encryption unit receives the first random number, calculates the first random number, obtains a first calculation result and sends it to the control unit;

The control unit performs calculation based on the first random number to obtain a second calculation result;

The control unit determines whether the first calculation result returned by the encryption unit is received within a preset time period;

If the first calculation result is received, determine whether the second calculation result matches the first calculation result;

If it matches, it is determined that the firmware is legal;

If it does not match, it is determined that the firmware is illegal;

If the first calculation result is not received, it is determined that the firmware is invalid.

In the method for preventing firmware from being illegally copied according to the present invention, the method further includes:

If it is determined that the firmware is illegal, all or part of the functions of the firmware will not be executed;

If it is determined that the firmware is valid, the firmware operates normally.

In the method for preventing firmware from being illegally copied according to the present invention, the encryption unit receives the first random number, calculates the first random number, and obtains the first calculation result and sends it to the control unit, comprising:

The encryption unit calculates the first random number according to the pre-stored key and the preset algorithm, obtains the first calculation result and sends it to the control unit;

The control unit performs calculation based on the first random number, and obtaining the second calculation result includes:

The control unit calculates the first random number according to a pre-stored key and a preset algorithm to obtain the second calculation result.

The present invention also provides a system for preventing firmware from being illegally copied, comprising: a control unit, an encryption unit communicating with the control unit;

The control unit is configured to: generate a first random number, send the first random number to the encryption unit, and perform calculation based on the first random number to obtain a second calculation result;

The control unit is further configured to: determine whether the first calculation result returned by the encryption unit is received within a preset time period; if the first calculation result is received, determine whether the second calculation result is the same as the Whether the first calculation result matches; if it matches, it is determined that the firmware is legal; if it does not match, it is determined that the firmware is illegal; if the first calculation result is not received, it is determined that the firmware is illegal;

The encryption unit is configured to: receive the first random number, calculate the first random number, obtain a first calculation result, and return the result to the control unit.

The present invention also provides an electronic device, comprising: a memory and a processor; the memory is used for storing program instructions, and the processor is used for executing the steps of the above method according to the program instructions stored in the memory.

The present invention also provides a storage medium on which a computer program is stored, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, implements the steps of the above method.

Implementing the method, system, electronic device and storage medium for preventing firmware from being illegally copied of the present invention has the following beneficial effects: comprising the following steps: the control unit generates a first random number, and sends the first random number to an encryption unit; the encryption unit Receive the first random number, calculate the first random number, obtain the first calculation result and send it to the control unit; the control unit calculates based on the first random number to obtain the second calculation result; the control unit judges that within a preset time period Whether the first calculation result returned by the encryption unit is received; if the first calculation result is received, it is determined whether the second calculation result matches the first calculation result; if it matches, it is determined that the firmware is legal; if it does not match, it is determined that the firmware is not. Legal; if the first calculation result is not received, it is determined that the firmware is illegal. The invention can effectively prevent the firmware from being illegally copied or duplicated, reduce risks and losses, and effectively protect the intellectual property rights of the firmware owner.

Description of drawings

The present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments, in which:

1 is a schematic flowchart of Embodiment 1 of a method for preventing firmware from being illegally copied provided by the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a system for preventing firmware from being illegally copied provided by the present invention.

Detailed ways

In order to have a clearer understanding of the technical features, objects and effects of the present invention, the specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring to FIG. 1 , it is a schematic flowchart of Embodiment 1 of the method for preventing firmware from being illegally copied provided by the present invention.

As shown in Figure 1, the method for preventing firmware from being illegally copied includes the following steps:

Step S101 , the control unit 20 generates a first random number, and sends the first random number to the encryption unit 40 .

The memory 30 mentioned here is the memory 30 in the system, which is used for storing firmware.

Optionally, in this embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 20 may be a main MCU. Wherein, the control unit 20 may generate the first random number by using a preset method during startup or before reading the firmware, and send the generated first random number to the encryption unit 40 .

Optionally, in this embodiment of the present invention, the preset random number generation method may include, but is not limited to, disordered content in the memory when the main MCU is powered on, timer codes, etc., or may be a combination of many, etc. .

Optionally, in this embodiment of the present invention, the encryption unit 40 may be an encryption chip. The encryption chip can be a simple MCU with built-in Flash, or a one-time write (OTP) MCU. By adopting this type of MCU, the cost of the device can be greatly reduced, and the procedure is relatively simple. In some other embodiments, the encryption chip may also perform other functions, such as storing operating parameters of the device.

Among them, in the embodiment of the present invention, communication connection between the encryption chip and the main MCU can be realized through various interfaces, such as but not limited to standard IIC, SPI, UART, custom interface, etc. The defined communication format, as long as two-way reliable communication can be achieved.

The invention can effectively prevent the firmware from being illegally copied by using a simple MCU as the encryption chip.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the encryption chip is not only used for encryption, but also can share the processing burden of part of the MCU.

Optionally, if the encryption chip is missing or damaged, causing the MCU to think that the firmware is illegal, the functions of the firmware can be partially or completely disabled. Any difference in MCU behavior due to the presence or absence of an encryption chip falls within the protection scope of the present invention.

Step S102 , the encryption unit 40 receives the first random number, calculates the first random number, obtains the first calculation result, and sends it to the control unit 20 .

In some embodiments, the encryption unit 40 receives the first random number, calculates the first random number, and obtains the first calculation result and sends it to the control unit 20, including: The first calculation result is obtained and sent to the control unit 20.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the preset algorithm may include, but is not limited to, an exclusive OR operation, a square operation, a shift operation, an addition and subtraction operation, a multiplication and division operation, and their permutations and combinations.

Step S103, the control unit 20 performs calculation based on the first random number to obtain a second calculation result.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the control unit 20 performs calculation based on the first random number, and obtaining the second calculation result includes: the control unit 20 calculates the first random number according to the pre-stored key and the preset algorithm, and obtains the second calculation result. result.

Specifically, in this embodiment of the present invention, when the encryption unit 40 performs the calculation of the first calculation result, the control unit 20 will also perform the calculation based on the pre-stored key (the pre-stored key is the same as the key pre-stored by the encryption unit 40 ). The same operation is to use a preset algorithm to calculate the first random number and the pre-stored key to obtain the second calculation result.

Step S104: The control unit 20 determines whether the first calculation result returned by the encryption unit 40 is received within a preset time period.

The preset time period may be determined according to actual use, which is not specifically limited in the present invention.

Step S105, if the first calculation result is received, determine whether the second calculation result matches the first calculation result.

Step S106, if there is a match, it is determined that the firmware is legal.

Step S107: If there is no match, it is determined that the firmware is invalid.

Step S108: If the first calculation result is not received, it is determined that the firmware is invalid.

Further, in some embodiments, if the firmware is determined to be illegal, all or part of the functions of the firmware are not executed, that is, when the firmware is determined to be illegal, all or part of the functions of the firmware cannot be executed. If it is determined that the firmware is legal, the firmware runs normally.

Specifically, the firmware continues to execute the firmware or refuses to execute the firmware according to the legality judgment result.

In the embodiment of the present invention, by adopting the method of random numbers, it is possible to prevent the firmware from using an exhaustive method to monitor data communication during running, so as to simulate the feedback information of the encryption chip. Wherein, the more digits of the random number (such as the first random number of the present invention), the more difficult the monitoring is. Therefore, the present invention can set the number of bits of the random number according to actual needs.

Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, by using an encryption chip with built-in Flash, the built-in Flash of the encryption chip cannot be read. Therefore, as long as its algorithm is leaked, it cannot be copied or copied, thereby preventing the firmware from being illegally copied or copied. the goal of.

Referring to FIG. 2 , it is a schematic structural diagram of an optional embodiment of a system for preventing firmware from being copied provided by the present invention.

The system for preventing firmware from being illegally copied can prevent firmware from being illegally copied through the method for preventing firmware from being illegally copied disclosed in the embodiment of the present invention.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2 , the system for preventing firmware from being illegally copied includes: a control unit 20 , and an encryption unit 40 that communicates with the control unit 20 .

The control unit 20 is configured to: generate a first random number, send the first random number to the encryption unit 40, and perform calculation based on the first random number to obtain a second calculation result.

Further, in this embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 20 is further configured to: determine whether the first calculation result returned by the encryption unit 40 is received within a preset time period; if the first calculation result is received, determine the second calculation result Whether the result matches the first calculation result; if it matches, it is determined that the firmware is legal; if it does not match, it is determined that the firmware is illegal.

The encryption unit 40 is configured to: receive the first random number, calculate the first random number, obtain the first calculation result, and return the result to the control unit 20 .

Among them, the firmware can continue to execute or refuse to execute according to the judgment result of legitimacy.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the system for preventing firmware from being illegally copied may further include an output device 50, an input device 60, and the like.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the output device 50 may include a display device such as a display screen, for example, may include but not limited to a liquid crystal display, a TFT liquid crystal display, an OLED display, an AMOLED display, a speaker, a vibrator, and the like.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the input device 60 may receive input numerical or character information, and generate key signal input related to user settings and function control of the data protection device. The input device 60 may include, but is not limited to, keys, keyboards, mice, touch screens, microphones, cameras, and the like. Alternatively, the input device 60 may also be a detection device, such as a sensor or the like. Optionally, in this embodiment of the present invention, the system for preventing firmware from being illegally copied may be a complex system such as an embedded system.

By adding a simple MCU as an encryption chip to the embedded system and adding an appropriate algorithm, the firmware can be protected from being illegally copied, effectively maintaining economic interests. This method will not bring additional operational burden to the production line, which is convenient for mass production of products.

The present invention further provides an electronic device, including: a memory 30 and a processor; the memory 30 is used for storing program instructions, and the processor is used for executing the steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention according to the program instructions stored in the memory 30 .

The present invention also provides a storage medium on which a computer program is stored, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention are implemented.

The above embodiments are only intended to illustrate the technical concept and characteristics of the present invention, and the purpose is to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of the present invention and implement accordingly, and cannot limit the protection scope of the present invention. All equivalent changes and modifications made with the scope of the claims of the present invention shall fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims (6)

1. a method for preventing firmware from being illegally copied, is characterized in that, comprises the following steps: The control unit generates a first random number, and sends the first random number to the encryption unit; The encryption unit receives the first random number, calculates the first random number, obtains a first calculation result and sends it to the control unit; The control unit performs calculation based on the first random number to obtain a second calculation result; The control unit determines whether the first calculation result returned by the encryption unit is received within a preset time period; If the first calculation result is received, determine whether the second calculation result matches the first calculation result; If it matches, it is determined that the firmware is legal; If it does not match, it is determined that the firmware is illegal; If the first calculation result is not received, it is determined that the firmware is invalid. 2. The method for preventing firmware from being illegally copied according to claim 1, wherein the method further comprises: If it is determined that the firmware is illegal, all or part of the functions of the firmware will not be executed; If it is determined that the firmware is valid, the firmware operates normally. 3. The method for preventing firmware from being illegally copied according to claim 1, wherein the encryption unit receives the first random number, calculates the first random number, obtains the first calculation result and sends The control unit includes: The encryption unit calculates the first random number according to the pre-stored key and the preset algorithm, obtains the first calculation result and sends it to the control unit; The control unit performs calculation based on the first random number, and obtaining the second calculation result includes: The control unit calculates the first random number according to a pre-stored key and a preset algorithm to obtain the second calculation result. 4. A system for preventing firmware from being illegally copied, comprising: a control unit, an encryption unit communicating with the control unit; The control unit is configured to: generate a first random number, send the first random number to the encryption unit, and perform calculation based on the first random number to obtain a second calculation result; The control unit is further configured to: determine whether the first calculation result returned by the encryption unit is received within a preset time period; if the first calculation result is received, determine whether the second calculation result is the same as the Whether the first calculation result matches; if it matches, it is determined that the firmware is legal; if it does not match, it is determined that the firmware is illegal; if the first calculation result is not received, it is determined that the firmware is illegal; The encryption unit is configured to: receive the first random number, calculate the first random number, obtain a first calculation result, and return the result to the control unit. 5. An electronic device, comprising: a memory and a processor; the memory is used to store program instructions, and the processor is used to execute any one of claims 1-3 according to the program instructions stored in the memory the steps of the method described in item. 6. A storage medium on which a computer program is stored, characterized in that, when the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1-3 are implemented.

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