18508959. FIRMWARE POLICY ENFORCEMENT VIA A SECURITY PROCESSOR simplified abstract (Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC)

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FIRMWARE POLICY ENFORCEMENT VIA A SECURITY PROCESSOR

Organization Name

Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC

Inventor(s)

Nazmus Sakib of Seattle WA (US)

Bryan David Kelly of Carnation WA (US)

Ling Tony Chen of Bellevue WA (US)

Peter David Waxman of Seattle WA (US)

FIRMWARE POLICY ENFORCEMENT VIA A SECURITY PROCESSOR - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18508959 titled 'FIRMWARE POLICY ENFORCEMENT VIA A SECURITY PROCESSOR

Embodiments described in the abstract focus on firmware policy enforcement for a computing device, utilizing a security processor to ensure compliance with specified policies.

  • The security processor boots the computing device and executes specialized firmware during a boot session.
  • The specialized firmware assesses whether other firmware on the device complies with the specified policy.
  • If the other firmware meets the policy requirements, the security processor executes it; if not, the processor takes mitigation actions.

Potential Applications: - Enhanced security measures for computing devices - Ensuring firmware compliance in critical systems like medical devices or industrial equipment

Problems Solved: - Ensuring that only authorized firmware is executed on a computing device - Mitigating risks associated with non-compliant firmware

Benefits: - Improved security and integrity of computing systems - Prevention of unauthorized firmware execution - Mitigation of potential security threats

Commercial Applications: Title: "Secure Firmware Policy Enforcement for Computing Devices" This technology can be applied in industries where data security and compliance are paramount, such as healthcare, finance, and government sectors. It can also be integrated into IoT devices to enhance security measures.

Questions about Firmware Policy Enforcement: 1. How does firmware policy enforcement contribute to overall system security? 

  - Firmware policy enforcement ensures that only authorized firmware is executed, reducing the risk of security breaches due to non-compliant software.

2. What are the potential consequences of running non-compliant firmware on a computing device? 

  - Running non-compliant firmware can lead to security vulnerabilities, data breaches, and system malfunctions.


Original Abstract Submitted

Embodiments described herein are directed to firmware policy enforcement of a computing device. For example, a security processor of the computing device is utilized to boot the computing device. During a boot session, the security processor loads and executes specialized firmware. The specialized firmware, when executed, causes the security processor to determine whether other types of firmware to be executed on the computing device is in compliance with a policy specified by the specialized firmware. Based at least on a determination that the other firmware is in compliance with the policy, the security processor executes the other firmware. Based at least on a determination that the other firmware is not in compliance with the policy, the security processor performs a mitigation with respect to the other firmware.

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