Abstract: Some embodiments include a method of preventing software licensing exploitation in a virtual environment. The method includes: retrieving, by a first instance of a licensed application running on an original virtual machine as permitted by an original software license, an original unique identifier from a virtual device in the original virtual machine; creating, by a hypervisor of the virtual environment, a cloned virtual machine instance as a copy of the original virtual machine; retrieving, by a second instance of the licensed application running on the cloned virtual machine instance, a new unique identifier from a virtual device in the cloned virtual machine instance; and determining, by the second instance of the licensed application running on the cloned virtual machine instance, that the original software license does not apply to the cloned virtual machine instance because the new unique identifier is different from the original unique identifier.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a method of using different keys from an embedded key generator for each update of a trusted storage to mitigate common user-based exploits (clone, restore, tamper) of the trusted storage. The method includes: retrieving a key generator certificate from the key generator; requesting the key generator to generate a key associated with a key authenticator and to return a key handle associated with the key; generating a request to the key generator, the request including the key handle, the key authenticator, and a record to be maintained in the trusted storage; and in response to receiving an encrypted record from the key generator, storing the encrypted record associated with the first key handle and an authenticator generation formula in the trusted storage in a computing device, wherein the encrypted record is encrypted via the above key.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a handheld electronic device that would project images on a wall to provide placement patterns for pictures, mirrors, and other wall-mounted items. The device also integrates a laser level for leveling a series of items. Computer chips can be inserted into the housing to enable various patterns to be projected. The invention is located at some distance from the wall either another wall, a table, etc. If the invention is placed on an opposing wall, the housing of the invention would be mounted by an adhesive or a series of pins.