Advanced micro devices, inc. (20240111563). SECURITY FOR SIMULTANEOUS MULTITHREADING PROCESSORS simplified abstract

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SECURITY FOR SIMULTANEOUS MULTITHREADING PROCESSORS

Organization Name

advanced micro devices, inc.

Inventor(s)

David Kaplan of Austin TX (US)

Jelena Ilic of Austin TX (US)

SECURITY FOR SIMULTANEOUS MULTITHREADING PROCESSORS - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240111563 titled 'SECURITY FOR SIMULTANEOUS MULTITHREADING PROCESSORS

Simplified Explanation

The abstract describes a processor implementing a simultaneous multithreading (SMT) protection mode that prevents the execution of specific software at a processor core when a different software thread is currently running. This protection mode aims to keep sensitive data and software execution patterns secure from unauthorized access.

  • The SMT protection mode is enabled to prevent the execution of particular software at a processor core when a thread associated with different software is running.
  • This protection mode is implemented on a per-software basis, allowing different software to choose whether to enable it.
  • By preventing the execution of certain software, sensitive information is kept secure from unauthorized access or detection.

Potential Applications

The technology could be applied in secure computing environments, such as data centers, cloud computing, and virtualized systems.

Problems Solved

The innovation addresses the issue of protecting sensitive data and software execution patterns from unauthorized access or detection in a multi-threaded processing environment.

Benefits

- Enhanced security for sensitive information - Flexibility for software to choose protection mode - Wide applicability in various computing environments

Potential Commercial Applications

- Data centers - Cloud computing providers - Virtualization software companies

Possible Prior Art

Prior art in the field of processor security and multithreading technology may exist, but specific examples are not provided in this abstract.

Unanswered Questions

1. How does the SMT protection mode impact the overall performance of the processor? 2. Are there any potential vulnerabilities or limitations associated with the implementation of the protection mode?


Original Abstract Submitted

a processor implements a simultaneous multithreading (smt) protection mode that, when enabled, prevents execution of particular software (e.g., a virtual machine) at a processor core when a thread associated with different software (e.g., a different virtual machine or a hypervisor) is currently executing at the processor core. by preventing execution of the software, data, software execution patterns, and other potentially sensitive information is kept protected from unauthorized access or detection. further, in at least some embodiments the smt protection mode is implemented on a per-software basis, so that different software can choose whether to implement the protection mode, thereby allowing the processor to be employed in a wide variety of computing environments.