AMD Ryzen™ PRO processors protect data at multiple levels
On the hardware level, endpoints—of which PCs make up the vast majority— are a common cybersecurity target used to infiltrate applications and databases, and to navigate laterally throughout networks. However, organizations now are keenly aware that PCs and other endpoints represent a critical attack vector, and have taken important steps to fortify their cybersecurity defenses across their broad landscape of PCs.
There are valuable and reliable security tools such as endpoint detection and response, encryption, data protection solutions, and more. But critical technical advancements also are being implemented on the PC itself—especially at the CPU level. Today, the CPU has become a chip-level security operations center where threats are prevented, detected, locked down, and mitigated.
AMD being a well-established leader in microprocessors, accelerators, and other PC components has a unique perspective on ways to help improve PC security. One approach AMD has taken is to adopt a layered approach to PC security, where hardware and software are aligned to protect data at multiple levels. AMD has teamed with Microsoft and OEMs to implement layered PC defenses with AMD Ryzen processors, helping to improve security from the endpoint and the edge to the cloud.
AMD Ryzen™ processors are integrated with Microsoft Pluton™ security processors to help address security concerns wherever the PCs are utilized, especially for hybrid/remote work use cases. This approach includes communication for user authentication at the chip level, instead of over the communications bus to the operating system, thus shrinking the attack vector.
The AMD Ryzen™ PRO processors include such security features as:
AMD Secure Processor — This dedicated security processor validates code before it is executed to improve data and application integrity. It helps protect your system from unauthorized software and the AMD Ryzen processor “Zen 4” architecture prioritizes security features to help reduce exposure to today’s sophisticated attacks.
AMD Memory Guard — The world’s first processor family with real time, full system memory encryption. This is enabled by default for Windows Secured-Core PCs on all AMD PRO processor platforms.
AMD Shadow Stack — helps protect against control-flow attacks by checking the normal program stack against a hardware-stored copy. Microsoft Hardware Enforced Stack Protection in Windows 11® is enabled as one component of a comprehensive set of AMD security features.
AMD Platform Secure Boot — is designed to provide protection in response to growing firmware-level remote attacks being seen across the industry. AMD Secure Boot helps continue the chain of trust from the system BIOS to the OS Bootloader.
Microsoft Pluton Security Processor — is integrated into the latest AMD CPUs to deliver built-in, next-generation security including Trusted Platform Module 2.0 for scenarios like Windows Hello and BitLocker.
Reference: AMD PRO Technologies
