IBM was awarded a U.S. patent for a technique that prevents mobile devices from accessing software code that has been maliciously or inadvertently modified after it was encrypted.
U.S. Patent #8,341,747, "Method to provide a secure virtual machine launcher," provides security controls that restrict and prevent access to apps unless their original, previously encrypted code remains unchanged and uncompromised. IBM said its patented security mechanism will prevent an an app from running if it has been modified after being encrypted.
"This patented invention will help organizations confidently and securely embrace the advantages of a mobile workforce while remaining protected against malicious content or intent," said Andrew Cornwall, inventor and mobile software developer, IBM. "Our technique helps businesses prevent altered apps from running and unleashing their wrath on businesses, their networks and their customers."
http://www-03.ibm.com/press/us/en/pressrelease/42672.wss