Secure execution of program instructions provided by network interactions with processor
AssigneeSun Microsystems, Inc.
InventorAlan Folmsbee
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A CPU is provided with an ability to modify its operation in accordance with an encryption key. When a program is compiled, the program is modified in order that execution may be performed with the CPU with its operation modified. As a result, it is unnecessary to decrypt the program into standard op codes prior to execution. The keyed program operation permits secure transfer of program data through open channels such as the Internet. A programmable instruction decoder programmable decodes encrypted instruction op codes, without decrypting them into standard op codes. Logic is used to accomplish network handshaking. The network handshaking further used to provide additional key information for continued operation the CPU.
Claims43
A particularly configurable processor for processing computer programs which are selectively operable on said particularly configurable processor, comprising:
- a memory defining a storage location for a key;
- an instruction decoder programmably configured for decoding encrypted instruction op codes when supplied with key information from said memory, without decrypting the encrypted op codes into standard op codes;
- and
- circuitry for terminating decoding in the absence of timely receipt of additional key information.
Method for processing computer programs selectively operable on one or more selected individual processors, comprising:
- programming an instruction decoder to decode encrypted instruction op codes, without decrypting them into standard op codes;
- using logic circuitry for requiring network handshaking;
- and
- providing additional key information through the network handshaking, said additional key information required for continued operation.
Method for compiling computer programs for operability on selected ones of individual processors, comprising:
- providing encrypted instruction op codes for execution by an instruction decoder to decode without decrypting into standard op codes;
- and
- providing additional key information through network handshaking, said additional key information required for continued operation.
A particularly configurable processor for processing computer programs which are selectively operable on said particularly configurable processor, characterized by:
- variable logic circuitry able to execute encrypted op codes;
- and
- logic for requiring network handshaking, the network handshaking further used to enable continued operation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.