Intel Unveils Next Generation Processor

[Dave Farber <dave () farber net>]

From: Monty Solomon <monty () roscom com>
Subject: Intel Unveils Next Generation Processor

      Intel Unveils Next Generation Processor
      - Apr 12, 2004 01:42 AM (AP Online)

By MATTHEW FORDAHL AP Technology Writer


SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) -- The next generation of Intel Corp.
microprocessors for cell phones and handheld computers will, for the
first time, include hard-wired security features that can enforce
copy protection and help prevent hackers from wreaking havoc on
wireless networks.


Intel's PXA27x processors, announced Monday at a conference in
Taiwan, contain a security "engine" that's on the same piece of
silicon but separated from the area where general processing takes
place. The engine also has access to secure memory.


Today, security tasks such as handling the keys that unscramble data
are typically processed like any other task. As a result, it's
possible that an errant program can alter, intercept or damage jobs
that are supposed to be secure.


With Intel's new chips, cell phone makers and carriers can guarantee
a greater, hardware-based level of security for customers who use the
devices to access corporate networks or need to lock down information.


Carriers, for instance, can secure the software that boots up a
phone, making it next to impossible for hackers to tweak the device
and cause trouble.

...

      - http://finance.lycos.com/home/news/story.asp?story=41052266

-------------------------------------
You are subscribed as interesting-people () lists elistx com
To manage your subscription, go to
 http://v2.listbox.com/member/?listname=ip

Archives at: http://www.interesting-people.org/archives/interesting-people/