Apparatus for providing a secure processing environment
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for providing a secure processing environment comprising:
- a read/write memory for storing information;
a first processor cooperating with the read/write memory for reading information therefrom and writing information thereto;
a cipherer in communication with the read/write memory, the cipherer being configured to selectively decrypt encrypted information into decrypted information and to deliver the decrypted information to the read/write memory for subsequent use by the first processor; and
an authenticator for authenticating the decrypted information prior to use by the first processor.
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Abstract
An apparatus for providing a secure processing environment is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a read/write memory for storing encrypted information. It also includes a processor, a cipherer and an authenticator. The cipherer is in communication with the read/write memory for receiving encrypted information therefrom and is configured to decrypt the encrypted information into decrypted information to be returned to the memory for subsequent use by the processor. The authenticator authenticates the decrypted information prior to use by the processor and re-authenticates the information prior to re-encryption by the cipherer.
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Citations
42 Claims
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1. An apparatus for providing a secure processing environment comprising:
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a read/write memory for storing information;
a first processor cooperating with the read/write memory for reading information therefrom and writing information thereto;
a cipherer in communication with the read/write memory, the cipherer being configured to selectively decrypt encrypted information into decrypted information and to deliver the decrypted information to the read/write memory for subsequent use by the first processor; and
an authenticator for authenticating the decrypted information prior to use by the first processor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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21. An apparatus as defined in clam 17 wherein the logic circuit comprises the first processor.
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32. For use with an external memory for storing encrypted information, the external memory having a first storage capacity, an integrated circuit for providing a secure processing environment comprising:
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a volatile memory having a second storage capacity, the second storage capacity being less than the first storage capacity;
import/export means for selectively importing and exporting encrypted information between the external memory and the volatile memory;
cipher means for decrypting encrypted information received from the volatile memory into decrypted information within the secure environment and for encrypting the decrypted information back into encrypted information within the secure environment; and
a processor for processing the decrypted information within the secure environment, the processor cooperating with the import/export means to selectively import and export decrypted information between the external memory and the volatile memory to avoid exceeding the second storage capacity. - View Dependent Claims (33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 39, 40, 41, 42)
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38. For use in an integrated circuit for performing secure operations, a method for tamper checking the integrated circuit comprising the steps of:
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detecting an event;
executing a built in self test on at least one element of the integrated circuit to determine if a tamper has occurred; and
if the built in self test indicates a tamper has occurred, placing a restriction on at least one operation of the integrated circuit.
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Specification