Methods and apparatus for resource management in a processor

An apparatus, comprising:

• a memory operable to receive encrypted content including program code, data, and a digital signature, the content being encrypted using a first key;
• and
• a processor operable to decrypt the encrypted content using a second key stored locally within the apparatus, retrieve the digital signature from the content, and verify authenticity of the digital signature,
• wherein an operating system of the processor is operable to permit use of one or more processing resources that are operable to facilitate the execution of the program code if the digital signature is authentic.

An apparatus including a processing system operable to execute software that causes a processor of the system to execute actions, comprising:

• receiving encrypted content including program code, data, and a digital signature in a memory of a processing system, the content being encrypted using a first key;
• decrypting the encrypted content using a second key stored locally within the processing system;
• retrieving the digital signature from the content and verifying its authenticity;
• and
• permitting use of one or more processing resources that are operable to facilitate the execution of the program code by a processor of the processing system if the digital signature is authentic.

A method, comprising:

• storing content including program code and data in a memory of a processing system;
• requesting at least some of the content for execution by a processor operatively coupled to the memory;
• and
• preventing use of one or more processing resources that are otherwise operable to facilitate the execution of the program code, despite being called for by the program code, unless the content includes an authorized digital signature.

A method, comprising:

• receiving encrypted content including program code, data, and a digital signature in a memory of a processing system, the content being encrypted using a first key;
• decrypting the encrypted content using a second key stored locally within the processing system;
• retrieving the digital signature from the content and verifying its authenticity;
• and
• permitting use of one or more processing resources that are operable to facilitate the execution of the program code by a processor of the processing system if the digital signature is authentic.

A storage medium containing a software program, the software program being operable to cause a processor to execute actions including:

• receiving encrypted content including program code, data, and a digital signature in a memory of a processing system, the content being encrypted using a first key;
• decrypting the encrypted content using a second key stored locally within the processing system;
• retrieving the digital signature from the content and verifying its authenticity;
• and
• permitting use of one or more processing resources that are operable to facilitate the execution of the program code by a processor of the processing system if the digital signature is authentic.