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The recognition highlights the growing importance of protecting intellectual property (IP) and software-defined functionality as manufacturers increasingly integrate advanced electronics, automation and connected technologies into industrial equipment.
CodeMeter ASIC combines a hardware root of trust with software protection, secure key storage and licensing capabilities. Designed for integration directly into electronic devices, the compact 5 × 5 mm component enables manufacturers to protect proprietary software, algorithms and credentials against unauthorized access, duplication and extraction.
The component incorporates a Common Criteria EAL5+ evaluated secure element and supports integration through USB and SPI interfaces. Its applications extend across industrial automation, semiconductor equipment, robotics and intelligent electronic products, where secure software operation and long-term device reliability are essential.
Protecting Software Value in Industrial Electronics
As industrial equipment becomes increasingly software-driven, manufacturers face growing challenges in protecting intellectual property while managing product functionality throughout the equipment lifecycle.
Within the CodeMeter ecosystem, the ASIC provides a secure foundation for software licensing and feature management. Manufacturers can activate additional functions, offer software upgrades and introduce subscription-based or usage-based business models without requiring significant changes to the underlying hardware.
The component can store thousands of licenses, including licenses from multiple vendors, enabling equipment manufacturers to manage different software applications and commercial offerings through a common security platform.
"When we founded Wibu-Systems more than 35 years ago, I envisioned technology that would protect the value of software and give its creators control over how it is used and commercialized," said Oliver Winzenried, CEO and co-founder of Wibu-Systems.
"I am proud to see that this vision remains so relevant today, and that the distinctive technology we have continuously developed throughout our company's history is receiving this recognition in Korea. As more value moves into software, our responsibility is to keep advancing the protection and licensing foundations on which our customers build their businesses."
Preparing for Post-Quantum Security
Beyond current cybersecurity requirements, Wibu-Systems is preparing its protection and licensing ecosystem for the transition toward post-quantum cryptography (PQC).
The development is particularly relevant to industrial equipment and electronic systems designed for long service lives. Advances in quantum computing could eventually threaten conventional public-key cryptographic methods, including RSA and elliptic curve cryptography, creating new challenges for software authentication, licensing and digital security.
Wibu-Systems is pursuing a phased approach to post-quantum readiness across its hardware, software and cloud-based licensing infrastructure.
Its CodeMeter 9.00 platform introduces architectural developments intended to accommodate longer cryptographic material and support future PQC-enabled license containers. These changes are designed to facilitate the eventual adoption of quantum-resistant security technologies while maintaining compatibility with existing CodeMeter applications.
The company is also extending its engagement with Korean manufacturers in semiconductor equipment, automation, robotics and AI-enabled electronics, where secure software integration and intellectual property protection are becoming increasingly important.
"For Korean manufacturers in semiconductor equipment, automation, robotics, and AI-enabled electronics, valuable software needs both a trusted technical foundation and a practical route to revenue," said JungJae Kim, Sales Director of WIBU-SYSTEMS Korea Ltd.
The KES Innovation Award underscores the role of embedded security in modern industrial electronics, particularly as manufacturers adopt more connected, software-intensive equipment. By combining hardware-backed protection, flexible licensing and preparations for future cryptographic requirements, CodeMeter ASIC addresses the evolving security and commercialization needs of industrial technology providers.