Security testing using a computer add-in card

A method, comprising:

• loading testing code into an add-in card positioned within a slot on a host server computer and storing the testing code in memory on the add-in card;
• triggering execution of the testing code;
• executing the testing code including violating a communication protocol controlling communications between the host server computer and the add-in card;
• and
• monitoring whether the host server computer detects that the add-in card is violating the communication protocol.

A system, comprising:

• a host server computer including a motherboard, a communication bus, and a slot for receiving an add-in card;
• an add-in card coupled into the slot, wherein the add-in card includes an embedded processor and a memory;
• and
• testing code supplied from the host server computer and stored in the memory of the add-in card for execution by the embedded processor, wherein the embedded processor is configured to execute the testing code, and wherein the testing code includes tests that violate control register settings set in the add-in card by the host server computer, wherein the control register settings are associated with a communication protocol used for communicating over a communication bus coupled between the host server computer and the add-in card.