A method and system for securing a data product for mass distribution. An authorization
server may encrypt a portion of a data product. Further, the authorization server
may assemble an authorization key that includes information indicative of an entity
authorized to store the data product, and the authorization server may encrypt
the authorization key. To encrypt the authorization key, the authorization server
may apply a symmetric encryption algorithm based on a cryptographic key that is
derived as a function of an identification code associated with the authorized
entity. The encrypted portion of the data product, the encrypted authentication
key, and the remainder of the data product may then be stored on the authorized
entity, which may be provided to a machine authorized to access the data product.
The machine is preferably programmed to derive the second decryption key, use it
to decrypt the authentication key, and then use the authentication key to validate
use of the data product. Advantageously, if the data product is copied to an unauthorized
entity and that entity is then provided to the machine, the machine may be unable
to obtain the necessary identification code and may therefore be unable to derive
the cryptographic key, to decrypt the authentication key, or to validate access
to the data product.