If the information is displayed on the screen, then it is accessible in the computer. An illicit program can be designed to repeat the process and store an unprotected copy. An attacker could simply reprogram a device driver or use a debugger to unlock the key to any encryption. Most companies acknowledge this danger but say they just want to make stealing information harder than buying a legitimate copy. We plan on plugging the holes as quickly as they're discovered.
Some companies insert hidden information, called tags or watermarks, into files.
More complex schemes can personalize watermarks with the legitimate holder's name, enabling the source of an illicit copy to be tracked down. Locking up data is the other solution. Companies are disabling the printing functions and removing the cut, copy and paste functions from programs in the hope of thwarting document thieves. In some cases, developers are inserting new layers of protection software directly into the operating system to prevent copying at as low a level as possible. San Jose-based Adobe is experimenting with both technologies.