But since this is somewhat obvious, additional concealment is often used: e.g. if the value increases consecutively by 1. Strictly speaking, this simple, consecutive numbering was already algorithmically expressed: e.g. Complex numbering: algorithmic concealment The problem here is that if you only know two numbers, you can most likely predict the third number. With each new packaging unit the counter is incremented according to a certain system. Probably the simplest algorithmic procedure: A certain number range is defined and the values are incremented consecutively.

Deterministic methods Simple numbering: consecutive numbers In case of a product recall, all random values would have to be selected from large lists and compared with the numerical values. Without access to the management software for serial numbers, it is therefore impossible to assign a random value to a specific product. On the other hand: random values do not allow any conclusion to the initial data (thus to the continuous series). It is in the nature of things that this process becomes more and more computationally intensive the more random numbers already exist. When generating random serial numbers, it must therefore always be checked simultaneously whether chance has not already produced the same combination of values in the past. It is necessary that the random value remains unique in the database system at least over the lifetime of the product. However, the first difficulty with randomized procedures lies elsewhere: in the data handling of random values. With the specifications (alphanumeric and 20 digits) a large amount of random values can be generated theoretically. A random number is always only as unpredictable as the amount of possible combinations. Randomization - random valuesĬhance is by definition non-deterministic, otherwise it would not be random. This includes, for example, gambling, dice or card drawing. First of all, deterministic and non-deterministic methods are distinguished from each other: Non-deterministic methodsĪll procedures that are in no way attributable to an ordered system are called non-deterministic. Using these criteria, suitable methods for generating serial numbers can now be checked for their protective effect. This means that all process steps, such as the USB stick used in the production, unencrypted e-mail or the data server, whose access is not sufficiently secured, are ruled out. If 000123 is followed by 000124, it can be quickly guessed that the next following serial number should be 000125.įurthermore, it must be ensured that the serial numbers cannot be stolen. This means that there must not be a systematic that can be recognized by guessing, for example. Serial codes are considered secure if they cannot easily imitated by counterfeiters and if they cannot get hold of lists of valid serial codes.

Securityspy serial codes