Method for securing software via late stage processor instruction decryption

A method of improving the security of digital content, said method comprising:

• receiving encrypted digital content over a digital interface;
• storing said encrypted digital content in a memory;
• fetching a portion of said encrypted digital content;
• and
• decrypting said fetched portion in a processor, wherein a portion of said encrypted digital content left in said memory remains encrypted.

A digital electronic system for improving security of digital content, said system comprising:

• a bus comprising a digital interface for receiving encrypted digital content;
• a memory coupled to said bus and capable of storing said encrypted digital content;
• and
• a processor coupled to said bus and capable of processing a portion of said encrypted digital content fetched from said memory and decrypted in said processor;
• and
• wherein a portion of said encrypted digital content left in said memory remains encrypted.

A processor for improving security of digital content, said processor comprising:

• a bus configured to receive encrypted digital content;
• a decryption unit coupled to said bus for decrypting said encrypted digital content;
• a core coupled to said bus for processing a portion of said encrypted digital content fetched from a memory and decrypted by said decryption unit;
• and
• wherein a portion of said encrypted digital content left in said memory remains encrypted.