Obfuscating C-based binaries to avoid decompilation

Question

Is there some way to obfuscate C-based executables or libraries to prevent decompilation?

Answer 1

Compiling C code with an optimizing compiler makes it impossible to restore the original source code or anything that even remotely resembles it. It is far more secure than any of the Java or .NET obfuscators that are popular these days. Be sure to strip the executable if you want to make it smaller and hide any symbol names before release. However, notice that this also makes debugging (when the application crashes) pretty much impossible.

Even so, if someone really wants to hack your software, he will do so on assembly level, possibly with loader software or other trickery - no matter what you try and do to prevent him. Many companies have tried, yet none have succeeded. Using hacks like this only frustrate the end-user as they may crash the application or even crash the built-in debugger of Windows.

Quit wasting your time thinking about obfuscation while you should be improving the program instead.