View source for Security Stamp

[[category:installation]]

==What is a Security Stamp?==

The security stamp is a method used in DLS IV to insure the secutiy of your [[account database]]. When you install DLS IV you will be asked to input a security stamp. This stamp can be any string of letters, numbers, and symbols that you wish. It is important to make this something memorable and write it down somewhere safe so that you do not forget it, especially when [[Backing up your Database]].

==What does the Security Stamp do?==

The security stamp is used to encrypt your account database. This means that all of the information in your database (all your accounts, programming, etc.) is stored in an encrypted format and cannot be accessed without the use of the security stamp. This does not mean that you have to enter the security stamp every time you wish to open an account though; the security stamp is stored within the DLS IV software. This means that if someone were able to somehow get possession of your account database, they would not be able to access any of the accounts unless they knew the security stamp.

If your DLS IV software has a security stamp which does not match up with the security stamp of the database, the [[authentication service]] will not be able to run, and you will not be able to log in to DLS IV.

==What if I Forget my Security Stamp?==

If you forget your security stamp, you may use the [[Feedback Function]] to send DSC the "app.config" file from your DLS IV install. This will allow DSC Technical Support to recover the security stamp you originally entered.


==I entered the wrong Security Stamp, now what ?==
For security purposes, the Security Stamp is stored in an encrypted file when this entry is made.  This means that the current installation of DLS IV will never be able to attach to that secured  database.  The solution is to [[Uninstalling DLS IV|uninstall DLS IV]], and re-install DLS IV.  Be sure to enter the correct Security Stamp on the next attempt.