Abstract: A data access control facility is implemented by assigning personally identifying information (PII) classification labels to PII data objects, with each PII data object having one PII classification label assigned thereto. The control facility further includes at least one PII purpose serving function set (PSFS) comprising a list of application functions that read or write PII data objects. Each PII PSFS is also assigned a PII classification label. A PII data object is accessible via an application function of a PII PSFS having a PII classification label that is identical to or dominant of the PII classification label of the PII object. A user of the control facility is assigned a PII clearance set which contains a list of at least one PII classification label, which is employed in determining whether the user is entitled to access a particular function.

Abstract: A data access control facility is implemented by assigning personally identifying information (PII) classification labels to PII data objects, with each PII data object having one PII classification label assigned thereto. The control facility further includes at least one PII purpose serving function set (PSFS) comprising a list of application functions that read or write PII data objects. Each PII PSFS is also assigned a PII classification label. A PII data object is accessible via an application function of a PII PSFS having a PII classification label that is identical to or dominant of the PII classification label of the PII object. A user of the control facility is assigned a PII clearance set which contains a list of at least one PII classification label, which is employed in determining whether the user is entitled to access a particular function.

Abstract: A data access control facility is implemented by assigning personally identifying information (PII) classification labels to PII data objects, with each PII data object having one PII classification label assigned thereto. The control facility further includes at least one PII purpose serving function set (PSFS) comprising a list of application functions that read or write PII data objects. Each PII PSFS is also assigned a PII classification label. A PII data object is accessible via an application function of a PII PSFS having a PII classification label that is identical to or dominant of the PII classification label of the PII object. A user of the control facility is assigned a PII clearance set which contains a list of at least one PII classification label, which is employed in determining whether the user is entitled to access a particular function.

Abstract: Multiple trusted platform modules within a data processing system are used in a redundant manner that provides a reliable mechanism for securely storing secret data at rest that is used to bootstrap a system trusted platform module. A hypervisor requests each trusted platform module to encrypt a copy of the secret data, thereby generating multiple versions of encrypted secret data values, which are then stored within a non-volatile memory within the trusted platform. At some later point in time, the encrypted secret data values are retrieved, decrypted by the trusted platform module that performed the previous encryption, and then compared to each other. If any of the decrypted values do not match a quorum of values from the comparison operation, then a corresponding trusted platform module for a non-matching decrypted value is designated as defective because it has not been able to correctly decrypt a value that it previously encrypted.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus, a system, and a computer program product is presented for virtualizing trusted platform modules within a data processing system. A virtual trusted platform module along with a virtual endorsement key is created within a physical trusted platform module within the data processing system using a platform signing key of the physical trusted platform module, thereby providing a transitive trust relationship between the virtual trusted platform module and the core root of trust for the trusted platform. The virtual trusted platform module can be uniquely associated with a partition in a partitionable runtime environment within the data processing system.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for systematically assessing an enterprise's security risks in view of a set of security patterns. Each pattern that is applicable to the enterprise's operation is then considered against the backdrop of a set of common attributes that are used, in turn, to further distinguish each pattern from a risk and security solution perspective. Using the disclosed techniques, specific security risks can be identified and appropriate security products can be selected to address those risks in a systematic manner, thereby assisting information technology decision makers across a wide variety of enterprises in deriving security solutions. These security solutions will typically be more effective and efficient from a functional perspective, as well as being more cost-effective, than security solutions created using prior art ad hoc approaches. The disclosed techniques may also be leveraged to create a requirements list for function to be included in a security product.

Abstract: A data access control facility is implemented by assigning personally identifying information (PII) classification labels to PII data objects, with each PII data object having one PII classification label assigned thereto. The control facility further includes at least one PII purpose serving function set (PSFS) comprising a list of application functions that read or write PII data objects. Each PII PSFS is also assigned a PII classification label. A PII data object is accessible via an application function of a PII PSFS having a PII classification label that is identical to or dominant of the PII classification label of the PII object. A user of the control facility is assigned a PII clearance set which contains a list of at least one PII classification label, which is employed in determining whether the user is entitled to access a particular function.