Protected computing environment

A method of loading kernel components to create a secure computing environment comprising:

• setting a kernel secure flag to a true state:
• checking to determine if a debugger is present in an operating system;
• and
• checking to see if a debug credential associated with the debugger is present.

A method of creating a protected environment comprising:

• creating a protected environment for loading a component;
• checking the validity of a signature;
• checking the validity of a certificate;
• checking to see if the signature is in a revocation list;
• checking to see if the certificate is in the revocation list;
• checking to see that the signature is acceptable for use
• checking to see that a certificate is acceptable for use;
• setting a kernel secure flag;
• and
• loading the component into the protected environment.