A computer-implemented system and method for protecting a software installation after certification are disclosed. The system includes components to determine if a cryptographic value of a digital content set matches with a stored cryptographic value of a validated digital content set, to determine if a cryptographic value of a validation rule set matches with a stored cryptographic value corresponding to a validation requirement, and to display a certification message if the cryptographic value of the digital content set matches with a stored cryptographic value of a validated digital content set and the cryptographic value of the validation rule set matches with a stored cryptographic value corresponding to a validation requirement.