Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for performing cryptographic operations on a plurality of input data blocks within a processor. In one embodiment, an apparatus for performing cryptographic operations is provided. The apparatus includes fetch logic and execution logic. The fetch logic is disposed within a microprocessor, and is configured to receive a atomic cryptographic instruction as part of an instruction flow executing on the microprocessor. The cryptographic instructionsingle atomic cryptographic instruction prescribes one of the cryptographic operations, and also prescribes that an intermediate result be generated. The execution logic is disposed within the microprocessor and is operatively coupled to the single atomic cryptographic instruction. The execution logic executes the one of the cryptographic operations, and generates the intermediate result.

Abstract: A system includes long-term storage (e.g., flash memory) for storing sensitive data and critical components of a consumer electronic (CE) device such as an operating system (OS) kernel, private cryptographic key values, security applications, and firmware configurations, for example. Security hardware/software designates and restricts access to secured portions of long-term storage that contain the critical components. Requests for access to these secured portions are addressed by the security hardware/software, which authenticates a cryptographic authorization code received with the request. Read-write access to the secured portions is allowed for download and installation of, for example, a software or firmware upgrade if the cryptographic authorization code is authenticated.