# Protecting game resources

Protecting files is done using the EQU8 `filesigner` found inside the SDK archive. It creates the file `equ8.db`, a digitally signed catalog over protected files. Any file can be protected, be it game assets or executables. We strongly recommend to add **ALL** executables, including third-party libraries, to the catalog.

Before using it, you must first [download your own unique private key](https://dash.equ8.com/assets/private.pem) from the assets on the EQU8 control panel.