Take the 2-minute tour ×

Do .net source encryption programs really works?

.Net IL codes can easily be decompiled. There are some encryption software that claim they can hide source from hackers .

Is it true ?

share|improve this question
add comment

3 Answers

up vote 8 down vote accepted

They can try, but any truly determined hacker will be able to hack your code, whatever the encryption/obfuscation.

Since your program needs to be "decrypted" in order to run, the in-memory image could be enough.

If it is simply obfuscation, a bit of hard work can get around that (figuring out functions, giving meaningful names etc).

share|improve this answer
I know that every hacker can find and crack software , but I really fear of creating new application like mine , but with his information . Does obfuscation help me ? –  pedram Jul 31 '10 at 19:28
@pedram - No it doesn't. It just makes you think you are secure. –  Oded Jul 31 '10 at 19:29
So there is no secure in .Net , what about C++? –  pedram Jul 31 '10 at 19:32
@pedram - this is true for any language. If it can run, a hacker will be able to hack it. Get used to the idea. –  Oded Jul 31 '10 at 19:33
Obfuscation can raise the bar a bit. But in the end, is all a matter of effort vs. reward: if the price is worth it, then the program will be reverse engineered. All one can do is stay ahead of the curve by adding new features, offering exquisite customer support etc etc –  Remus Rusanu Jul 31 '10 at 20:36
show 4 more comments

The IL can never be encrypted/hidden because the CLR has to have access to it. The best you can ever do is obfuscation.

share|improve this answer
add comment

i used SmartAssembly in many projects and it's really good. here you can read about its CodeProtection features


true, thats a bad answer from me. i tried SmartAssembly and others like dotfusocator, Salamander,Skater .NET Obfuscator. and i never found a good way of reversing applications i protected with SmartAssembly with dynamic proxy etc.

Its my way of saying i like the result från SA more than the others.

But ofcourse if there is a good enough hacker, there is no protection.


share|improve this answer
"really good" sounds like advertising. What's so good about it? –  GregS Jul 31 '10 at 19:47
add comment

Your Answer


