blocking screen grabbers

Discussion in 'PHP' started by alanewallace, Jul 27, 2007.

  1. #1
    Is it possible to make a script to block screen grabbers collecting images from a web browser?
     
    alanewallace, Jul 27, 2007 IP
  2. nico_swd

    nico_swd Prominent Member

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    #2
    No, and before we even start, there is NO way to protect your images. ALL you can do is make it more difficult to get them, but if someone really wants an image, he'll get it easily.

    Put watermarks on your images, or don't put them online.
     
    nico_swd, Jul 27, 2007 IP
  3. alanewallace

    alanewallace Peon

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    #3
    I have developed a script that makes it impossible to download the image or trace its location through the source code but it can still be lifted using screen grab. I saw an advertisement some time ago saying there product blocks screen grabbers but I can't see how that can be possible.
     
    alanewallace, Jul 27, 2007 IP
  4. nico_swd

    nico_swd Prominent Member

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    #4
    Is there a chance I can see this script?

    And there may be a way installing some kind of application on the client's computer. But the client would have to accept and install it. There's no way to do that with a web-based script.
     
    nico_swd, Jul 27, 2007 IP
  5. alanewallace

    alanewallace Peon

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    #5
    I am launching the script on Monday (hopefully).
    I will post the address here with the launch.
    Is there a way that this could be sent as a cookie which is removed as soon as the page is closed. Would this be considered to be unethical.
     
    alanewallace, Jul 27, 2007 IP
  6. nico_swd

    nico_swd Prominent Member

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    #6
    The image via cookie? No, it's way too big for a cookie.

    And even if, the browser would have to be able to display the image. There is where all techniques fail - If the browser can see it, you can. And you can get it easily then.
     
    nico_swd, Jul 27, 2007 IP
  7. krt

    krt Well-Known Member

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    #7
    krt, Jul 27, 2007 IP
  8. alanewallace

    alanewallace Peon

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    #8
    Sorry you mis-understood me. The image can be seen through the web browser but you can't drag it onto your desk top or right click and save. If you check the source code you will not find the image, only a link to the location of a temp file created on the fly. The cookie question was related to a script to block screen grab.
     
    alanewallace, Jul 27, 2007 IP
  9. nico_swd

    nico_swd Prominent Member

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    #9
    I'm actually very curious about seeing your script. I think all these security measures can be bypassed very easily.

    And no, there's no way to prevent screen grabbing with cookies either.

    To prevent that, you would need to install something on the client's computer. Change the client's system configuration, etc... this cannot be done with any web-based script. Imagine if that would be possible - That'd be a huge security risk for all internet users.
     
    nico_swd, Jul 27, 2007 IP
  10. ycc

    ycc Peon

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    #10
    > krt wrote:
    > ... here is a tool I made earlier for this:
    > http://nexusfx.net/tools/imaging/watermark_images
    Thanks, nice tool :)
     
    ycc, Jul 27, 2007 IP
  11. mrmonster

    mrmonster Active Member

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    #11
    I'm sorry but thats not possible, if a browser can display the image than anyone else that has a clue can get it's path. It will be as effective as disabling right click button.
     
    mrmonster, Jul 27, 2007 IP
  12. ecentricNick

    ecentricNick Peon

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    #12
    At the end of the day, pressing Alt+Print Screen will copy what ever you're looking at to the clipboard, and allow you to paste it into your favourite image tool.

    As has been said, you cannot stop anyone taking your image, even if you hide the location through clever scriptery. If I can see it, I can copy it with the press of two keys and a bit of cropping in Photoshop.
     
    ecentricNick, Jul 27, 2007 IP
  13. huenemeca

    huenemeca Peon

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    #13
    I am also interested in seeing this script. I would agree that it is impossible to block someone from getting your images if they really want to.

    Sorry to say that from how you describe the script, I am certain that I could write a program to download your images and it really wouldn't be that hard.

    It is best to watermark images because then even if someone steals them it is obvious they did.

    So let us know when this site is live or maybe before so we can tell you if you have a weakness in your script.
     
    huenemeca, Jul 27, 2007 IP