While there are multiple benefits to using the .NET Framework such as the ability to support multiple programming languages and faster integration of Web services, the risk of exposing sensitive IP and the potential impact of tampering or misuse of the application's functionality must be considered as organizations and developers continue to migrate or develop new applications using the .NET Framework. Unlike native applications, deploying managed .NET software means that competitors, hackers, and other threats can easily decompile and access higher level source code. Although there is no absolute solution to protect software from reverse engineering, software protection can be an effective deterrent.

This paper will discuss:

• Key risks organizations should be aware of when developing and deploying .NET applications
• A comparison of the approaches used to protect .NET applications
• An introduction to a new active protection technology, CodeArmor® Software Protection for .NET.

Active protection solutions like CodeArmor Software Protection provide whole assembly encryption and JIT decryption of code provides more effective protection without impacting development process or customer experience.