Sentinel Licensing API Overview

The Sentinel Licensing API is a robust method of software protection, the strength of which is wholly dependent on its implementation.

The extent to which the functionality afforded by the Sentinel Licensing API is utilized, determines the overall level of software security. To fully utilize the protection offered by the Sentinel Licensing API, strive to maximize the complexity and sophistication of your implementation.

It is essential that, before protecting your application, you are familiar with the overall functionality of the Sentinel Licensing API. For a description of the functions that make up the Sentinel Licensing API, see the Sentinel Licensing API Reference for the relevant code language:

Sentinel Licensing API Reference: C | .NET | .NET Standard | Java

To protect your software using the Sentinel Licensing API, you insert calls to a Sentinel protection key throughout your application’s source code. You can add calls to your application that check for the presence of a Sentinel protection key at any point during run-time, and you can designate responses to these checks. For example, if the required Sentinel protection key is not found, you might specify that the protected application suspend or terminate itself.

Your application can also check the memory of a Sentinel protection key for specific data. In addition, you can use the Sentinel Licensing API to encrypt or decrypt data.

To facilitate a speedy learning curve, Thales recommends that you familiarize yourself with and test specific Sentinel Licensing API functions using Sentinel LDK ToolBox. Sentinel LDK ToolBox is a GUI-based application that interfaces with various Sentinel LDK APIs. For additional information, see Learning About the Sentinel Licensing API.

Sentinel LDK also includes Sentinel Licensing API sample folders for specific compilers. Each Sentinel LDK interface includes a sample application demonstrating API usage and a specific header file. The sample applications are located in the Samples in the Sentinel LDK installation on the Windows, Linux, or Mac machine.

Universal Sentinel Licensing API

The Sentinel Licensing API is a universal API that works with all Sentinel protection keys. Sentinel Licensing API implementation and usage is independent of the Sentinel protection key you use.

Utilization of the Sentinel Licensing API is independent of the access mode used to search for a specific Sentinel protection key. The same Sentinel Licensing API functions are used to enable programs’ access to remote Sentinel protection keys, or Sentinel protection keys that are present locally.