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As a MetaTrader developer, one of the biggest concerns is how to keep your Expert Advisor (EA) safe from unauthorized copying or use. After spending so much time crafting your strategy, it’s essential to take steps to protect your work. Here are the top security tips to ensure your EA stays secure:
Always compile it into an .EX4 file before distribution. The EX4 format is harder to reverse-engineer, although not entirely foolproof.
Here’s an example:
Example:
This is particularly useful for subscription-based services.
Each time the EA runs, it can check the license key or account number against a database. If it fails validation, the EA stops working.
This adds another layer of difficulty for anyone trying to decompile or tamper with your EA.
Your EA will only run when the dongle is plugged into the user’s device. While this method is expensive, it provides unmatched protection for your intellectual property.
This process makes the code harder to read and understand by adding complexity without changing its functionality.
Use unique identifiers like account numbers to track where your EA is being run.
1
Stay proactive by releasing regular updates with improved protection mechanisms to stay ahead of potential attackers.
Final Thoughts
While no security method is 100% foolproof, combining multiple layers of protection will make it significantly harder for anyone to copy or misuse your EA.
What methods do you use to secure your Expert Advisor? Let’s share ideas and learn from each other!
Never share your MQL4 source code file (.MQ4) with anyone.
Always compile it into an .EX4 file before distribution. The EX4 format is harder to reverse-engineer, although not entirely foolproof.
You can restrict your EA to work with specific trading accounts using the AccountNumber() function in MQL4.
Here’s an example:
Add a time limit to your EA by comparing the current date to a pre-set expiration date.
Example:This is particularly useful for subscription-based services.
For enhanced security, validate your EA license through a remote server.
Each time the EA runs, it can check the license key or account number against a database. If it fails validation, the EA stops working.
Move critical parts of your EA’s logic to a dynamic-link library (DLL).
- The DLL will handle sensitive operations, making the core logic harder to reverse-engineer.
- Pair this with encryption for added security.
Encrypt critical sections of your EA’s logic and only decrypt them during runtime.
This adds another layer of difficulty for anyone trying to decompile or tamper with your EA.
For ultimate security, use a hardware dongle.
Your EA will only run when the dongle is plugged into the user’s device. While this method is expensive, it provides unmatched protection for your intellectual property.
If you’re distributing the source code for any reason, consider obfuscating it.
This process makes the code harder to read and understand by adding complexity without changing its functionality.
Regularly monitor your EA for unauthorized copies in use.
Use unique identifiers like account numbers to track where your EA is being run.1
No security measure is permanent.
Stay proactive by releasing regular updates with improved protection mechanisms to stay ahead of potential attackers.Final Thoughts
While no security method is 100% foolproof, combining multiple layers of protection will make it significantly harder for anyone to copy or misuse your EA.
What methods do you use to secure your Expert Advisor? Let’s share ideas and learn from each other!