Distributed Hardware Security System

A distributed hardware security system can include one or more anti-pirating/license verification devices, such a dongle (or other internal or external devices) that can be used prevent piracy of protected property such as devices, features, software, or selected functionalities thereof while reducing the potential for unintended termination or suspension of access to the licensed property. In some embodiments, a multi-processor system can include a distributed hardware security system having multiple computing devices, such as display nodes, PCs, workstations, or other devices. The security system can include functionality for detecting a plurality of authorized license verification devices on the same system, and for determining if continued access to the licensed property can continue if there is a failure to recognize one or more of the authorized license verification devices.