Key Management in Computer Processors
AssigneeMicron Technology, Inc.
InventorSteven Jeffrey Wallach
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Systems, apparatuses, and methods related to a computer system having a processor and a main memory storing scrambled data are described. The processor may have a secure zone configured to store keys and an unscrambled zone configured to operate on unscrambled data. The processor can convert the scrambled data into the unscrambled data in the unscrambled zone using the keys retrieved from the secure zone in response to execution of instructions configured to operate on the unscrambled data. Another processor may also be coupled with the memory, but can be prevented from accessing the unscrambled data in the unscrambled zone.
Claims20
A computer system, comprising:
- a memory configured to store scrambled data;
- a first processor coupled with the memory, the first processor having:
- a secure zone configured to store keys;
- and
- an unscrambled zone configured to operate on unscrambled data, wherein the first processor is configured to convert the scrambled data into the unscrambled data in the unscrambled zone using the keys retrieved from the secure zone in response to execution of instructions configured to operate on the unscrambled data;
- and
- a second processor coupled with the memory, wherein the second processor is prevented from accessing the unscrambled data in the unscrambled zone of the first processor.
A method, comprising:
- storing scrambled data in a memory of a computer system;
- storing keys in a secure zone of a first processor coupled with the memory in the computer system;
- converting, by the first processor, the scrambled data into unscrambled data in an unscrambled zone using the keys retrieved from the secure zone in response to execution of instructions configured to operate on the unscrambled data;
- and
- operating, by the first processor in the unscrambled zone, on the unscrambled data;
- wherein a second processor coupled with the memory in the computer system is prevented from accessing the unscrambled data in the unscrambled zone of the first processor.
A computer processor, comprising:
- a scrambled zone configured to store scrambled data;
- a secure zone configured to store keys;
- and
- an unscrambled zone configured to operate on unscrambled data, wherein the computer processor is configured to convert the scrambled data into the unscrambled data in the unscrambled zone using the keys retrieved from the secure zone in response to execution of instructions configured to operate on the unscrambled data.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.