Intel corporation (20240333501). MULTI-KEY MEMORY ENCRYPTION PROVIDING EFFICIENT ISOLATION FOR MULTITHREADED PROCESSES simplified abstract

MULTI-KEY MEMORY ENCRYPTION PROVIDING EFFICIENT ISOLATION FOR MULTITHREADED PROCESSES

Organization Name

intel corporation

Inventor(s)

David M. Durham of Beaverton OR (US)

Michael Lemay of Hillsboro OR (US)

Salmin Sultana of Hillsboro OR (US)

Karanvir S. Grewal of Hillsboro OR (US)

Sergej Deutsch of Hillsboro OR (US)

MULTI-KEY MEMORY ENCRYPTION PROVIDING EFFICIENT ISOLATION FOR MULTITHREADED PROCESSES - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240333501 titled 'MULTI-KEY MEMORY ENCRYPTION PROVIDING EFFICIENT ISOLATION FOR MULTITHREADED PROCESSES

The abstract describes a technique of hardware thread isolation in a processor, where a first core selects a key identifier stored in a hardware thread register in response to a memory access request associated with a hardware thread of a process. The memory controller obtains an encryption key based on the key identifier selected from the hardware thread register, which is then appended to a physical address translated from a linear address included in the memory access request.

• Processor includes a first core with hardware thread isolation capabilities
• Core selects a key identifier from a hardware thread register in response to a memory access request
• Memory controller obtains an encryption key based on the selected key identifier
• Key identifier is appended to a physical address translated from a linear address in the memory access request
• Enhances security and isolation of hardware threads within a processor

Potential Applications: - Enhanced security in multi-threaded processor systems - Improved data protection in memory access operations - Increased efficiency in handling memory access requests

Problems Solved: - Mitigates the risk of unauthorized access to memory data - Ensures proper isolation of hardware threads within a processor - Enhances overall system security and data protection

Benefits: - Improved security measures for hardware thread isolation - Enhanced data protection in memory access operations - Efficient handling of memory access requests

Commercial Applications: Title: Enhanced Security for Multi-Threaded Processors This technology can be utilized in industries requiring high levels of data security, such as finance, healthcare, and government sectors. It can also be integrated into server systems to enhance data protection and system security.

Questions about Hardware Thread Isolation: 1. How does hardware thread isolation contribute to overall system security?

  - Hardware thread isolation ensures that each thread operates independently, reducing the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive data.

2. What are the potential drawbacks of implementing hardware thread isolation in a processor?

  - One potential drawback could be increased complexity in system design and potential performance overhead.

Original Abstract Submitted

in a technique of hardware thread isolation, a processor comprises a first core including a first hardware thread register. the core is to select a first key identifier stored in the first hardware thread register in response to receiving a first memory access request associated with a first hardware thread of a process. memory controller circuitry coupled to the first core is to obtain a first encryption key associated with the first key identifier. the first key identifier may be selected from the first hardware thread register based, at least in part, on a first portion of a pointer of the first memory access request. the first key identifier selected from the first hardware thread register is to be appended to a physical address translated from a linear address at least partially included in the pointer.