Everything to Know About Confidential Computing

The concept of confidential computing is nothing new. However, there are still many misconceptions surrounding it. This article will cover the methods and applications used for the process. To get an idea of how confidential computing works, read on. Here are the top reasons why your organization should use this method. This article also discusses the security aspects of confidential computing. It will also provide you with tips and techniques to ensure the highest level of security possible.

Methods

Methods

The term “confidential computing” refers to methods of protecting data in use. This is especially important for federal agencies, which are notoriously regulated. With confidential computing, your data is protected at all times during the life of its information. Leading hardware makers are partnering with top cloud providers to deliver secure cloud services to federal agencies. These cloud services will be built on virtual machines and leverage the appropriate hardware technology to ensure data security. Some virtual machines even have attestation features that ensure their security posture.

The most common method of confidential computing is using hardware. This is a way to isolate data so that only authorized code can access it. Intel and AMD EPYC processors support this technique. Both Intel and AMD provide software platforms that help secure data and code. This technique helps to reduce the risk of data theft. These technologies are highly effective in helping companies protect their data and meet compliance regulations. Here are three examples of the use of confidential computing.

Applications

Confidential Computing enables secure data management and encryption within the memory of a computer. This secure environment protects data from rogue system software. Its applications are broad and range from privacy-enhancing computation to data security. These applications are already starting to appear in various industries, including finance, government, and health care. This article will discuss some of the potential benefits and drawbacks of this new technology. Here are some of the most important uses of confidential computing.

A consortium formed to support confidential computing is making strides towards the standard. The group is collaborating on open source innovation and systems that can facilitate its adoption. Intel, Microsoft, and Red Hat have already committed to open-source projects to help drive the industry forward. SGX allows for TEEs on Xeon CPU platforms. The Consortium is also developing open-source tools, such as the Enarx project. With the availability of these tools, developers can use confidential computing in a variety of industries.

Security

The Linux Foundation announced a consortium called the Confidential Computing Consortium (CCC) in August. The consortium’s mission is to develop open-source tools for secure confidential computing and set standards for the protection of information in use. Among the CCC’s members are technology heavyweights like Intel, Alibaba, AMD, and Arm. Many of these companies have confidential computing products for sale and are members of the consortium. Here’s a summary of what the consortium aims to accomplish.

Confidential Computing uses a trusted execution environment to protect data during processing. The secure environment is isolated by a hardware-based architecture that protects data and code within CPUs. This isolation ensures that only authorized code can access data and applications. It also prevents tampering with the code, so unauthorized access or modification of the code will not affect the integrity of the data. Confidential computing is gaining momentum as the most secure way to host sensitive applications in the cloud.

Bill Sutton
Everything to Know About Confidential Computing