Abstract: The invention relates to a distributed system comprised of a multitude of computer units, so-called nodes, which are connected to one another over a network and inside of which a local monitoring unit is provided for applying at least one security policy incumbent upon the respective nodes. Said monitoring unit is connected to at least one external monitoring unit, which is located within the network and inside of which systems of rules concerning the security policies of all nodes or of at least one group of nodes can be stored. The invention also relates to a method for operating a distributed system of the aforementioned type.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for integrating hidden information in a set of notes. In this method, the geometric shape of the geometric elements of the set of notes and/or their geometric relationship to each other are modified compared to the original version according to a predetermined key in such a manner that the modifications bear the to-be-integrated information in digital form and legibility of the set of notes is not impaired.