Method for expanding secure kernel program memory
US6397331B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 16, 1998 |
| Grant date | May 28, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 16, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F21/82
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method of expanding a secure kernel memory area to accommodate additional software code includes the step of digitally signing the additional code by a trusted authority. The code has a digital signature to authenticate the source of the code and to control what code can be added to the secure kernel. The new code is copied into an unprotected memory where the digital signature is verified. The digital signature includes a unique integrated circuit (IC) identification number, which provides the IC manufacturer with the ability to control the secure kernel memory expansion of all or each of the ICs. If the code is authenticated via the digital signature, then those memory blocks are locked-in as protected memory and thus given “secure kernel” privileges.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.