Patent ID: 8185748

Claim:
In a processor and associated local memory capable of being operatively coupled to a main memory such that data may be read from the main memory for use in the local memory, a method, comprising: entering a secure mode of operation where externally initiated requests to read data from or write data into the processor are not serviced but internally initiated data transfers are serviced; reading a decryption program and an associated trusted decryption key from a storage medium into the local memory of the processor, wherein decryption program comprises trusted decryption code; reading an encrypted authentication program into the local memory of the processor; decrypting the encrypted authentication program using the decryption program; transitioning functionality of the processor from the decryption program to the authentication program; reading encrypted content from the system memory into the local memory, the content having been encrypted using a private key of a private/public key pair; decrypting the encrypted content using the authentication program and the public key of the private/public key pair; and authenticating the content using the authentication program.