Microprocessor that securely decrypts and executes encrypted instructions

A method of securely executing encrypted instruction data within a microprocessor, the method comprising:

• selecting a combination of at least two master keys from a master key register file stored within the microprocessor;
• within the microprocessor, performing at least one mathematical operation on the selected master keys to generate the decryption key;
• within the microprocessor, decrypting the encrypted instruction data into plain text instruction data;
• and
• securely executing the plain text instruction data within the microprocessor while preventing observation of the encrypted instruction data outside the microprocessor.

A method of securely executing encrypted instruction data within a microprocessor, the method comprising:

• fetching chunks of encrypted instruction data into the microprocessor, wherein each chunk comprises a plurality of fetch quanta;
• for each fetched chunk, receiving a plurality of keys securely within the microprocessor, wherein each key has a length at least as long as a length of a fetch quantum;
• for each fetch quantum, performing at least one key-expanding mathematical operation on the selected keys to generate a decryption key, wherein the key-expanding mathematical operation yields an effective decryption key length at least as long as the chunk;
• within the microprocessor, using the decryption key to decrypt the chunk of encrypted instruction data into plain text instruction data;
• and
• securely executing the plain text instruction data within the microprocessor while preventing observation of the encrypted instruction data outside the microprocessor.