IBM Embeds Encryption into Processor

IBM on Monday unveiled a new technology known as SecureBlue, which is comprised of a set of encryption circuitry that can be integrated directly into a computer's CPU. The idea behind the project is that no software or external chip can be truly secure, as hackers can intercept the data as it is sent to main processor.

Unlike approaches taken by Intel and others that involve a trust platform module, or TPM, chip, IBM believes an all-in-one solution provides the best encryption. The SecureBlue technology has also been designed to fit into a number of form factors, including cell phones and portable music players.

In turn, content owners could use the encryption to lock down audio and video downloads, and ensure it remains protected at all times. Hackers long ago discovered ways to strip the DRM from Apple's iTunes songs and those encoded using Windows Media, often by intercepting the audio data as it is decoded during playback.

While experts have acknowledged that integrated encryption can lead to better performance, some have questioned whether the method really provides a higher level of security than solutions such as TPM and PGP.

SecureBlue could, however, make data on stolen computers harder to access because the encryption chip cannot be bypassed by physical means.

But because SecureBlue must be baked into a processor during its creation, it is unlikely the new offering will be put to use by anyone other than IBM for quite some time. Big Blue is utilizing the encryption within devices made by its custom engineering unit, which works with defense and medical firms, as well as game console manufacturers like Microsoft.