Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a method includes verifying an initiating logical processor of a system; validating a trusted agent with the initiating logical processor if the initiating logical processor is verified; and launching the trusted agent on a plurality of processors of the system if the trusted agent is validated. After execution of such a trusted agent, a secure kernel may then be launched, in certain embodiments. The system may be a multiprocessor server system having a partially or fully connected topology with arbitrary point-to-point interconnects, for example.

Abstract: A processing system has a processor that can operate in a normal ring 0 operating mode and one or more higher ring operating modes above the normal ring 0 operating mode. In addition, the processor can operate in an isolated execution mode. A memory in the processing system may include an ordinary memory area that can be accessed from the normal ring 0 operating mode, as well as an isolated memory area that can be accessed from the isolated execution mode but not from the normal ring 0 operating mode. The processing system may also include an operating system (OS) nub, as well as a key generator. The key generator may generate an OS nub key (OSNK) based at least in part on an identification of the OS nub and a master binding key (BK0) of the platform. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: An authenticated code module comprises a value that attests to the authenticity of the module. The value is encrypted with a key corresponding to a key of a computing device that is to execute the module.

Abstract: A method for deterring unauthorized use of an electronic device is described. The method includes installing security data in a protected storage area, installing a security routine operable to check for the security data, and prompting a user for identity information if the security data is found, before permitting use of the device. In an implementation, the device is shut down if the identity information is incorrect, and manufacturer contact information may be displayed before shutting down. But if the user responds correctly, the activation process is continued to enable normal operation of the device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of attestation involves a special mode of operation. The method comprises storing an audit log within protected memory of a platform. The audit log is a listing of data representing one or more software modules loaded into the platform. The audit log is retrieved from the protected memory in response to receiving an attestation request. Then, the retrieved audit log is digitally signed to produce a digital signature in response to the attestation request.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, a technique is provided for remote attestation. An interface maps a device via a bus to an address space of a chipset in a secure environment for an isolated execution mode. The secure environment is associated with an isolated memory area accessible by at least one processor. The at least one processor operates in one of a normal execution mode and the isolated execution mode. A communication storage corresponding to the address space allows the device to exchange security information with the at least one processor in the isolated execution mode in a remote attestation.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus to generates an isolated bus cycle for a transaction in a processor. A configuration storage contains configuration parameters to configure a processor in one of a normal execution mode and an isolated execution mode. An access generator circuit generates an isolated access signal using at least one of the isolated area parameters and access information in the transaction. The isolated access signal is asserted when the processor is configured in the isolated execution mode. A bus cycle decoder generates an isolated bus cycle corresponding to a destination in the transaction using the asserted isolated access signal and the access information.

Abstract: A file is sent to a remote signing authority via a network. The signing authority checks the file and provides a signature indicating file integrity of the file. The signature returned from the signing authority via the network is verified.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method comprises configuring an access transaction generated by a processor by a configuration storage containing configuration parameters. The processor has a normal execution mode and an isolated execution mode. The access transaction has access information. In a further embodiment, a method comprises checking the access transaction by an access checking circuit using at least one of the configuration parameters and the access information.

Abstract: A chipset is initialized in a secure environment for an isolated execution mode by an initialization storage. The secure environment has a plurality of executive entities and is associated with an isolated memory area accessible by at least one processor. The at least one processor has a plurality of threads and operates in one of a normal execution mode and the isolated execution mode. The executive entities include a processor executive (PE) handler. PE handler data corresponding to the PE handler are stored in a PE handler storage. The PE handler data include a PE handler image to be loaded into the isolated memory area after the chipset is initialized. The loaded PE handler image corresponds to the PE handler.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus to protect a subset of a software environment. A key generator generates an operating system nub key (OSNK). The OSNK is unique to an operating system (OS) nub. The OS nub is part of an operating system in a secure platform. A usage protector uses the OSNK to protect usage of a subset of the software environment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to communicate with a token using a previously reserved binary number in the start field of a cycle, wherein the cycle is not echoed on any bus other than the bus through which the communication is received.

Abstract: Briefly, one embodiment of a platform for generating and utilizing a protected audit log is described. The platform comprises a system memory and a memory to contain an audit log. The audit log includes a plurality of single-write, multiple read entries. At least one of the entries of the audit log includes stored data integrity information loaded into the system memory during its power cycle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for initiating secure operations in a microprocessor system is described. In one embodiment, one initiating logical processor initiates the process by halting the execution of the other logical processors, and then loading initialization and secure virtual machine monitor software into memory. The initiating processor then loads the initialization software into secure memory for authentication and execution. The initialization software then authenticates and registers the secure virtual machine monitor software prior to secure system operations.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method comprises generating a cryptographic key pair associated with a data center. The method also includes storing a private key of the cryptographic key pair within a platform. The private key is used to sign a value stored in the platform for validation of inclusion of the platform into the data center. In an embodiment, the private key is revoked upon determining that the platform has been compromised. In one embodiment, the private key may be revoked in each of the platforms of the data center.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for resetting and modifying special registers in a security token is described. In one embodiment, a register may be reset when a reset flag is true when a special transmission on a bus demonstrates the mutual locality of the associated processor and chipset. A modify flag may also be used to indicate whether the register contents may be modified. Modifications may also be dependent upon demonstration of mutual locality.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for unilaterally loading a secure operating system within a multiprocessor environment are described. The method includes disregarding a received load secure region instruction when a currently active load secure region operation is detected. Otherwise, a memory protection element is directed, in response to the received load secure region instruction, to form a secure memory environment. Once directed, unauthorized read/write access to one or more protected memory regions are prohibited. Finally, a cryptographic hash value of the one or more protected memory regions is stored within a digest information repository as a secure software identification value. Once stored, outside agents may request access to a digitally signed software identification value in order to establish security verification of secure software within the secure memory environment.

Abstract: A chipset is initialized in a secure environment for an isolated execution mode by an initialization storage. The secure environment has a plurality of executive entities and is associated with an isolated memory area accessible by at least one processor. The at least one processor has a plurality of threads and operates in one of a normal execution mode and the isolated execution mode. The executive entities include a processor executive (PE) handler. PE handler data corresponding to the PE handler are stored in a PE handler storage. The PE handler data include a PE handler image to be loaded into the isolated memory area after the chipset is initialized. The loaded PE handler image corresponds to the PE handler.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, a technique is provided for remote attestation. An interface maps a device via a bus to an address space of a chipset in a secure environment for an isolated execution mode. The secure environment is associated with an isolated memory area accessible by at least one processor. The at least one processor operates in one of a normal execution mode and the isolated execution mode. A communication storage corresponding to the address space allows the device to exchange security information with the at least one processor in the isolated execution mode in a remote attestation.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for certifying an attestation key comprises generating a remote attestation key pair within a platform and producing a certificate. The certificate includes a public attestation key to attest that a private attestation key, corresponding to the public attestation key, is stored in hardware-protected memory.