Abstract: A data security system includes a memory, a security tool stored within the memory and a validation agent stored within the memory. A first processor is operatively coupled to the memory and programmed to use the security tool to prevent unauthorized access to the memory and programmed to use the validation agent to monitor the integrity of the security tool. A second processor is programmed to directly access the memory and to monitor the integrity of the validation agent. A data bus is operatively coupled to the first and second processors and arranged to allow the second processor to directly access the validation agent. If the validation agent is compromised, the second processor causes the first processor to communicatively decouple from a network. If the security tool is compromised, the second processor causes the first processor to decouple from a network.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system monitor and verify software during runtime on a data processing device. According to embodiments of the invention, a monitoring module on an auxiliary system independent of the data processing device may monitor software during runtime on the data processing device. The monitoring module may utilize a variety of information to verify the integrity of the software running on the data processing system. In one embodiment, software signatures, checksums and image sizes may be used to verify that the software has not be tampered with and/or altered. In addition and/or alternatively, the software configuration data and/or packet statistics may be used to verify the software. In one embodiment, a remote device may be used to manage and configure the auxiliary system.