You are here:About>Computing & Technology>JavaScript> Reference> Reviews> Web Page Encryption Software
About.comJavaScript
Newsletters & RSSEmail to a friendSubmit to Digg

Web Page Encryption Software

From Stephen Chapman,
Your Guide to JavaScript.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!
Guide Rating - rating

The Bottom Line

There are a number of programs available, some free and some costing up to $200 that claim to be able to protect your web page content from would be thieves by encrypting it. While these encryption techniques may prevent novices from viewing your content, those wanting to steal your content will hardly notice that it is there.
Pros
  • Hides your page content from web novices
Cons
  • Doesn't prevent your page content being stolen
  • Stops your page displaying in all browsers
  • Money for nothing

Description

  • Bypassed in two seconds with a "View Source" bookmarklet
  • Thirty seconds by using "File", "Save As" in Netscape 7.
  • Several minutes using the DOM Inspector in Mozilla or Firefox.

Guide Review - Web Page Encryption Software

Many web page authors, once they come to realize how ineffective a no right click script really is, look at web page encryption software as a way of protecting their page source.

Web page encryption software "encrypts" the content of your page and incorporates a Javascript routine that will convert that content back into readable HTML etc. in the web browser. Unfortunately, since a web browser needs to be able to decrypt the page in order to be able to display it, a web browser is all that the would be thieves need to use in order to be able to decrypt your content.

An encrypted web page requires a Javascript enabled browser in order for the page to be viewed and, depending on which Javascript version the decryption method requires, the page may not even display in all Javascript enabled browsers. Also since they interfere with the functionality of the browser in the mistaken belief that they are protecting the page source they will drive a lot of your potential visitors away from your site.

In most cases the encryption method can be bypassed in about two seconds and even the most effective products I have seen can be bypassed in under 30 seconds. I have only seen one web page that would require the use of a third method of decrypting the source that would take several minutes to carry out.

 All Topics | Email Article | | |
Advertising Info | News & Events | Work at About | SiteMap | Reprints | HelpOur Story | Be a Guide
User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy©2008 About, Inc., A part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.