Do .net source encryption programs really work?

Question

Do .net source encryption programs really works?

.Net IL codes can easily be decompiled. There are some encryption software that claim they can hide source from hackers .

Is it true ?

Answer 1

They can try, but any truly determined hacker will be able to hack your code, whatever the encryption/obfuscation.

Since your program needs to be "decrypted" in order to run, the in-memory image could be enough.

If it is simply obfuscation, a bit of hard work can get around that (figuring out functions, giving meaningful names etc).

Answer 2

The IL can never be encrypted/hidden because the CLR has to have access to it. The best you can ever do is obfuscation.