We’re launching Lyria 3.5 in Google Flow Music, with advances across musicality, lyrics, vocals, and creative control
deepmind.google·6d ago
AI Engineering
Lobsters·Jun 15·5 min read
Users cry foul after AMD stripped memory crypto from its consumer CPUs
TL;DR
AMD has removed Transparent Secure Memory Encryption (TSME) from its consumer CPUs, which previously protected against physical data theft. This change was made without public notice and is only confirmed for PRO CPUs.
✦ Why It Matters
Engineers should be aware of the security implications of using AMD consumer CPUs without TSME.
Key Takeaways
- Evaluate security features of CPUs before purchase.
- Stay informed about changes in hardware security policies.
- Consider using PRO CPUs for enhanced security.
- Monitor community discussions for updates on hardware vulnerabilities.
Full Summary
Transparent Secure Memory Encryption (TSME) was introduced by AMD to safeguard sensitive data in memory from physical attacks, such as cold boot attacks. Initially available in high-end CPUs, TSME was later included in consumer Ryzen chips, enhancing security for users.
Recently, AMD quietly removed TSME from these lower-end processors, a change that went undetected on Windows and required technical expertise to identify on Linux systems. Despite inquiries, AMD has not provided a clear rationale for this decision, only stating that TSME is now exclusive to PRO CPUs.
This lack of transparency has led to user dissatisfaction, particularly among those who rely on these security features. The implications of this change could lead to increased risks for data security in consumer-grade systems.