How to delete the variables after used?

[hiepkhachsg]

Hi all, i wonder how to delete the variables after used in my script? I just found the delete object function only. Does anyone know it, pls advice. Thanks.

[guinness]

Do you know what a variable actually is? To remove the data the variable contains just set to 0 or an empty string.

[hiepkhachsg]

Hi, i do not mean changing or deletetting content in a variable. I mean deleting the memory address of variable (or the pointer to the variable). I know when a variable is declared, the program or Windows will create a memory address for this variable, so you can call and use this variable at anytime. A man can base on this memory address of the variable to debug & see what happened or was in it before. I don't want they reverting follow this to debug, so i want to delete this immediately after used, disappearing without trace.

[AutoBert]

from Helpfile:

Quote

Scope

A variable's scope is controlled by when and how you declare the variable. If you declare a variable at the start of your script and outside any functions it exists in the global scope and can be read or changed from anywhere in the script.

If you declare a variable inside a function it is in local scope and can only be used within that same function. Variables created inside functions are auJasperatically destroyed when the function ends.

By default when variables are declared using Dim or assigned in a function they have local scope unless there is a global variable of the same name (in which case the global variable is reused). This can be altered by using the Local and Global keywords to declare variables and force the scope you want.

Btw. Leo and i don't know the word "auJasperatically" should be automatically?

[hiepkhachsg]

I know what is global or local. I mean here is free memory address of a variable. For example, if you declare a global variable, it will remain exist during the program running unless you exit program. During that time, a man can hook this address, read memory, control, change or see what happen with this variable. The same with local while a function is running.

For the simply understand, i give  a example here : when need, i declare a global variable, use it, after use immediately delete that variable. And if i re-use that variable (for example, assign new content to that variable)  , there will be a warning "variable is used before declare", program don't know what a variable is! That variable seem did not exist and used.

Edited April 10, 2016 by hiepkhachsg

[AutoBert]

When you like to have small memory usage of your script, use in funcs local variables, thats the statement i would give by quoting helpfile, as you can't delete a variable. Or put all data like CtrlIDs in array's: element can be deleted.

[hiepkhachsg]

First is for free up memories. Second is for the security matter. Some my variable content security info so i don't want it exist a long time with program, so i want delete it after used. Now, i know can not delete it (Really?!). I will change direction to other ways. Thanks.

[reb]

12 hours ago, guinness said:

Do you know what a variable actually is? To remove the data the variable contains just set to 0 or an empty string.

Why would this not work?  It seems like your "security info" would not exist but only the new values placed there.

[hiepkhachsg]

You don't know hack so you don't understand. They can base on memory address to trace back again what relative before! That's all.

[AutoBert]

It will be easier to find the wanted data in script as finding in memory.

[hiepkhachsg]

If data is binary & encrypted, which way is easier ? Up to your thinking. Topic closes here. Thanks.

[binhnx]

So do you know hack? Are there something different from set the variable to 0 (which is, in AutoIt, also free the memory in which that variable is stored) and delete the variable pointer and memory (which is, also clean the memory)? When a hacker find the pointer, even you deleted it (the pointer only), she can read the memory pointed by it. Just free the memory as soon as you are done and you are safe. When you still operate with the variable you still expose the variable to hacker. All we can do is minimize the chance, we cannot prevent them.

 

Edited April 11, 2016 by binhnx

[hiepkhachsg]

Yes, i know a little about hack. I had did it a long time ago, so i want clear it in memory without tracing.

[jchd]

Overwrite your variables over their full used size with random gribberish, then reassign 0 to them as soon as possible. Don't reassign strings to "" since that doesn't actually free the used space.

Now that doesn't prevent spying by a determined opponent; there is nothing that can 100% prevent snoopping.

[JLogan3o13]

@hiepkhachsg you have received a number of answers to your question. If these are not sufficient, please provide more information of exactly what you are trying to do, and why simply overwriting the variable's value won't work. Be forewarned, if this slides into a "how to protect my script from hacking/decompilation/etc." discussion, it is going to be locked, as that question has been asked and answered too many times to count.

[hiepkhachsg]

I think that's enough. Topic's closed here (2nd time ). Thanks for all.

Edited April 12, 2016 by hiepkhachsg

[JLogan3o13]

Topics don't close unless deemed necessary by the moderating team, you may modify the title in your original post with [Solved] to let users know you received the answer(s) you were looking for.