Authentication tag for S/W media

An authentication method, comprising:

• providing at least one of a reading medium and a recording medium with an authentication tag;
• providing a reading and/or recording drive with a transmitter and a communication interface, the authentication tag and the transmitter being capable of communicating with each other when the at least one of a reading medium and a recording medium is coupled to the reading and/or recording drive;
• and
• authenticating the at least one of a reading medium and a recording medium via a communication between the authentication tag and the transmitter.

An authentication system, comprising:

• a controller;
• at least one of a reading medium and a recording medium that comprises a tag and is controlled by the controller;
• and
• a reading and/or recording drive that comprises a transmitter and a communication interface that is controlled by the controller;
• wherein the controller controls authentication communication between the tag and the transmitter when the at least one of a reading medium and a recording medium is coupled to the reading and/or recording drive.