Microsoft’s new Pluton Security Processor: What you need to know
At Microsoft’s BUILD conference, the company announced its new Pluton security processor to make cloud computing more secure. The Pluton chip will increase performance and power efficiency in the cloud, and thus allow for increased adoption of cloud services. Let’s take a look at the five main things you need to know about this new technology: (1) what it is, (2) how it works, (3) why you should care, (4) where you can expect to see it implemented first, and (5) why it’s important to businesses in general.
Pluton vs. Intel
Intel has been in the PC hardware game for decades, and they have established themselves as the go-to processor company. However, Microsoft is looking to change that with its own security processor called the Pluton. The two chips will be used for different purposes — the Intel chip for general computing, and the Pluton chip for security.
Bottom line
The Microsoft Pluton Security Processor is a new security solution that uses software and hardware to protect corporate networks from threats. It utilizes Intel’s Software Guard Extensions (SGX), a set of instructions for isolating and protecting data, as well as the RSA algorithm, which is used in public key cryptography, to generate 2048-bit encryption keys. In addition, it also has a built-in tamper detection sensor that can detect when there are signs of tampering with the chip.
The Microsoft Pluton Security Processor is designed so only authorized code can run on it. Once an application runs, it creates an encrypted container called a secret space where data can be stored securely inside the chip.
The basics
The Pluton security processor is a secure, silicon chip that provides hardware-based protection for data on devices running Windows 10. It protects against malicious software and exploits by checking every piece of code before it gets executed. The Pluton Security Processor was designed with an architecture that prevents malware from running in the first place. The security processor is also tamper-resistant, which helps prevent hackers from inserting their own backdoor into your device.
Microsoft Azure security services
Microsoft Azure offers a suite of security services that allow businesses to protect their data from threats and breaches. Microsoft’s new Pluton Security Processor is a hardware solution that provides features like data encryption, intrusion detection, and anomaly detection.
Coming soon
- The Pluton processor is separate from the CPU and is dedicated for security functions.
- It can be used for Microsoft’s Windows Defender and other antivirus products as well as Microsoft’s Office 365 ProPlus software suite.
- The company says that it will also work with third-party security providers, such as McAfee or Symantec, to offer improved protection.
- Intel will produce the processors at its fabrication plant in Hillsboro, Oregon, just south of Portland
Endnotes
*The processor is designed for ultra-secure datacenters, like those used by banks and governments. *It’s the first time Microsoft has created a security chip. *Pluton will replace the company’s existing chipsets. *The CPU is available now as an option on Windows Server v1809 and Windows Server 2019. *Pluton features hardware-based isolation of workloads and enforced code integrity, which helps protect against tampering with system firmware.
