Encrypted Modules

Jetman

Hello guys,

While debugging a program I came accross an Encryted module and I have been told by ABB Canada that ABB Sweeden had a Decryption tool that they use to encrypt modules. But apparently, even ABB Canada doesn't have access to that tool.

Since the controller can read that encrypted module it means it was engineered for that. Why not giving it to everyone that needs it? I do not beleive that a program can be so complex that we need to secure it's code to prevent people from using it.

One thing is sure with that encrypted module, the only thing I can do to help my customer is make a new program.

I have been around for a while and I even used to work for ABB Robotics. I had never seen that before and I wonder if I am the only one, not lucky enough, to have come across an encrypted module before and if most of you already knew about this.

Jet

abenaki

Hello Jet,

I have seen encrypted modules before too.

I believe that encrypting modules is done to protect intellectual property in specific situations e.g. when controlling process/application where there is alot of research/expertise invested.

Another reason to encrypt modules is to protect the fonctions/actions programmed and prevent tempering with critical environment.

I know it might be difficult to take ownership of an encrypted system, but we have to understand that there is people that have invested heavily in some processes and might want to protect their investment and wanting to keep their system safe.

Michel.

Jetman

Hello Michel,

I can easily understand intellectual property but there is no need to be secretive about an encryption tool. Like with Winzip or Winrar you could encrypt and create a password to have access to the encryption.

Anyway if some hacker really wanted to, he could decypher the current encrypted module anyway, it's not like if it was the high security national bank code.

My point is why can't we have this tool? (whinning like a baby) hehehe

Seriously, this tool seems to have been created by ABB. Is only ABB using it or integrators in Europe have access to that? I have seen this encryption in a module that was made by a German integrator. Did the integrator "take" the already encrypted module directly from an ABB program or did he have the encryption tool and created is own?

Overall the best solution would have been to never have the possibility to encrypt but since money have been invested in the creation of a tool can we all use it? This option feels like an easter egg to me

Jet

abenaki

I also saw it from an Italian integrator.

But I was told that it was actually ABB in Sweden that were incrypting the module for them.

The client of this integrator said that when they had to have some modifications done to their cell, they had to call this integrator who would make the changes then he had to send the module to Sweden to have it encrypted before loading it in the controller.

I have never verified this with an ABB representative, so I cannot say if it was true or not.

Good day Jet.

Michel.

abenaki

Have you taken a look at this thread?

http://forums.robotstudio.com/forum_posts.asp?T ID=2049&PN=1

 

Jetman

Hi Michel,

Nope I haven't read this post. I did a search with Encryption and Modules but didn't find anything.

Now that's interesting but I'd like to have ABB confirm or deny the existance of this CDKeyMaker option.

ABB guys?

Jet

Henrik Berlin

Hi,

The encryption tool is to protect business critical process knowledge embedded in valuable pieces of RAPID code developed by ABB, partners of ABB, or system integrators (or anyone else who have implemented some clever piece of RAPID that makes the world spin faster). Only a few sites have access to the encryption tool. If you want a piece of RAPID to be encrypted, it should be sent to ABB Sweden for encryption.

If you find a problem in an encrypted piece of RAPID, please get in touch with the provider of that code.

CDKeyMaker is not for public use, and cannot be requested or purchased from ABB.

Jetman

Hello Henrik,

I am not sure many integrators around here know about CdKeyMaker. Seems to be more popular in Europe.

Thank you for the information,

Jet

Henrik Berlin

Hi,

CDKeyMaker is the internal tool that ABB uses to generate the key strings from the system specification that the customer has defined in the "cross-list". This includes the type of mechanical arm to use and all options that the system shall have. The tool is not intended for ABB robot end-users.

MaLi

Apologies for bumping an old thread...

Back in the day ABB used to have an email service where you emailed your unencrted module to a mail-bot and instantly you received an encrypted version in return. This was in the mid 90's and has been cut since, but it would probably be a good idea to do something like that again plus it would limit the need to distribute

CD-Key Maker.

BR,

// Magnus