To run protected scripts on PHP 8.1, you must install the matching Loader extension.
: Prefer open-source decoders from reputable GitHub repositories with transparent code over closed-source executables from unknown sources. However, even with open-source tools, understand that most decoders operate in gray legal territory. ioncube decoder php 81
However, as one StackExchange security expert noted, "everything can be reverse engineered," and that "ionCube can be decoded... So you'll never be able to really secure your code but this is a good start". To run protected scripts on PHP 8
