Is there a unique hardware token or a UUID on every computer motherboard/BIOS that can be used to create a "strongly coupled" software?
I am working on writing a proprietary software for a client and I can't afford anyone to create copies of the same, since unauthorized duplication and installation can cause the entire setup to malfunction which would lead to loss of life and property. The setup works on multiple hardware devices on a LAN each one having its own security key and creates a setup similar to "blockchain".
I wanted to know if there's a special hardware device/IC on motherboards (like BIOS), which is unique for all computers manufactured in the world?
I read through a few articles and I figured out following alternatives:
- BIOS has a unique serial number - Issue: Not all BIOS manufacturers ensure writing a serial number to their chips. My current computer is one such example. Motherboard manufacturer is
MSI
and BIOS produced byAMI
. When queried, I getDefault string
as result. - USB token devices - Issue: USB devices are detachable, and it may be migrated to a new system without much effort along with the software.
- MAC address - Issue: It can be changed very easily. I dont want to client to have trouble by just changing the network card.
- MFA (Multi-factor authentication) - Issue: The LAN would have no connectivity to WWW, so it may not be possible to implement this at all.
Is there an alternative to this? I want to have a strongly coupled system so that it because very tough (if not impossible) to create copies. Any maintenance needed can only be carried out by trained and authorized personnel.