Abstract: A system and method for protecting an application resource file (RF) when a client uses an application on a host can include the steps by the application on the host of binding the RF to the host during execution of the application on the host by obtaining a device fingerprint of the host, verifying a signature by using the RF, the device fingerprint of the host, and a public key, where the signature was created during or at one of the following: a) an installation of the application at the host by signing the RF and the device fingerprint of the host using a private key corresponding to the public key; (b) an application provider before the installation of the application at the host; or (c) a client device; and where the method further uses the RF if a verification of the signature is successful.