AMD silently removes memory encryption from consumer Ryzen CPUs, leaving users unaware that they may be vulnerable — security feature vanishes after newer AGESA firmware, AMD engineers go radio silent when pressed about the change
AMD has reportedly stripped TSME from consumer Ryzen processors after years of working support, with testing suggesting newer AGESA firmware disables the memory-encryption feature while Pro and EPYC CPUs remain unaffected.
The silent removal of a security feature by a major CPU manufacturer, followed by a lack of transparency, highlights growing concerns over hardware security and vendor responsibility.
This event signals a potential weakening of security assurances for consumer-grade hardware and raises questions about trust in supply chains, impacting strategic planning for data integrity.
Consumer Ryzen CPUs have lost a previously available memory encryption feature, potentially increasing their vulnerability to certain types of attacks, and AMD's silence disrupts established trust in security promises.
- · Hardware security researchers
- · Competitor CPU manufacturers with strong security features
- · AMD (consumer CPU division)
- · Consumers relying on perceived hardware security
- · Organizations using consumer Ryzen in sensitive roles
Consumer sentiment towards AMD's security practices will likely decrease, potentially affecting future sales.
Increased scrutiny and demand for hardware security transparency from all major chip manufacturers could emerge.
Regulators might eventually consider enforcing stricter disclosure requirements for hardware security feature changes.
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Read at Tom's Hardware