Method and apparatus for restricting memory access

A method for restricting memory access, the method comprises the steps of:

• a) monitoring memory access requests;
• b) when one of the memory access requests is addressing restricted memory, allowing access to the restricted memory if one of the memory access requests is a system special operation, otherwise modifying the one of the memory access requests to produce a modified memory access request;
• and
• c) providing a response in accordance with the modified memory access request.

A memory manager that restricts access to memory, the memory manager comprises:

• a processing module;
• and
• memory operably coupled to the processing module, wherein the memory includes operational instructions that cause the processing module to (a) monitor memory access requests;
• (b) determine mode of operation of a processor when one of the memory access requests is addressing restricted memory;
• (c) modify the one of the memory access requests to produce a modified memory access request when the mode of the operation of the processor is a non-system special operation;
• and (d) provide a response in accordance with the modified memory access request.

A memory manager that restricts access to memory, the memory manager comprises:

• a processing module;
• and
• memory operably coupled to the processing module, wherein the memory includes operational instructions that cause the processing module to (a) monitor memory access requests;
• (b) allow access to restricted memory when the one of the memory access requests is a system special operation, otherwise modify the one of the memory access requests to produce a modified memory access request when one of the memory access requests is addressing restricted memory;
• and (c) provide a response in accordance with the modified memory access request.