Users cry foul after AMD stripped memory crypto from its consumer CPUs
Summary
AMD has removed a security feature called Transparent Secure Memory Encryption (TSME) from its consumer Ryzen CPUs without warning. The feature, which protects data stored in memory from physical attacks, is now only available on AMD’s Pro-level processors.Key Facts
- TSME encrypts data in a computer’s memory to prevent physical theft of information.
- AMD added TSME to lower-cost Ryzen consumer CPUs over time, but recently removed it silently.
- The removal was discovered by a user checking security features on his Ryzen 7 9700X CPU.
- Older AMD firmware versions enabled TSME on consumer CPUs, but newer firmware (AGESA 1.2.7.0) disables it.
- Pro-level Ryzen CPUs still have TSME enabled with all firmware versions.
- AMD stated TSME “is a security feature only applied to PRO CPUs” but has not explained why the change was made.
- The change is significant because it removes a security feature from consumer CPUs without alerting users.
- An open question remains if this was intentional or an accidental firmware bug; AMD has not clarified.
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