Secure Processor Architectures

Abstract

This chapter introduces the main features of secure processor architectures, as an extension of general-processor architectures. It first gives examples of real-world attacks on existing processor architectures, which further motivates research and design of secure architectures. It next presents features of general-processor architectures. It then introduces secure processor architectures, their features, especially concerning different execution levels and privileges, and gives examples of existing academic and commercial architectures. The chapter also lists secure processor architecture assumptions and limitations of what the architectures can achieve.