Abstract: An apparatus for providing a secure processing environment is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a read/write memory for storing encrypted information. It also includes a processor, a cipherer and an authenticator. The cipherer is in communication with the read/write memory for receiving encrypted information therefrom and is configured to decrypt the encrypted information into decrypted information to be returned to the memory for subsequent use by the processor. The authenticator authenticates the decrypted information prior to use by the processor and re-authenticates the information prior to re-encryption by the cipherer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling access to confidential data are disclosed. The disclosed apparatus includes a non-volatile memory for storing data and a logic circuit for controlling access to the data contained in the memory. The logic circuit selectively accesses the memory to determine whether at least a portion of the data contained in the memory comprises confidential data by analyzing a property inherent in the accessed data. The disclosed method includes the steps of: defining a predetermined section of the programmable memory as a repository for confidential data; addressing the predetermined section of the programmable memory; calculating a number of data blocks in the predetermined section having a predetermined characteristic; comparing the calculated number to a threshold value; and defining the memory as including confidential data in the predetermined section if the calculated number has a predetermined relationship to the threshold value.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a secure processing environment is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a read/write memory for storing encrypted information. It also includes a processor, a cipherer and an authenticator. The cipherer is in communication with the read/write memory for receiving encrypted information therefrom and is configured to decrypt the encrypted information into decrypted information to be returned to the memory for subsequent use by the processor. The authenticator authenticates the decrypted information prior to use by the processor and re-authenticates the information prior to re-encryption by the cipherer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling access to confidential data are disclosed. The disclosed apparatus includes a non-volatile memory for storing data and a logic circuit for controlling access to the data contained in the memory. The logic circuit selectively accesses the memory to determine whether at least a portion of the data contained in the memory comprises confidential data by analyzing a property inherent in the accessed data. The disclosed method includes the steps of: defining a predetermined section of the programmable memory as a repository for confidential data; addressing the predetermined section of the programmable memory; calculating a number of data blocks in the predetermined section having a predetermined characteristic; comparing the calculated number to a threshold value; and defining the memory as including confidential data in the predetermined section if the calculated number has a predetermined relationship to the threshold value.