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AMD silently disables TSME memory encryption on mid range Ryzen

Part of the Ryzen story · since 15 Jun

Quiet for 19 weekslast report 22 Jun3 articles2 outlets
15 Jun · Ars Technica first26 Aug19 Sep13 OctNowThis article2nd of 3
  • Mon 15 Jun, 18:05 UTC. Ars Technica, first report. AMD removes TSME from Ryzen CPUs, users express anger.
  • Tue 16 Jun, 08:20 UTC. SecurityOnline, its first report on the story. AMD silently disables TSME memory encryption on mid range Ryzen. This article, 2nd of 3.
  • Mon 22 Jun, 19:40 UTC. Ars Technica. AMD restores memory encryption on Ryzen CPUs after user outcry.

AMD's Transparent Secure Memory Encryption (TSME), introduced in 2016, has been removed from mid-range and entry-level Ryzen processors through recent BIOS updates, with no public explanation or mention in release notes. TSME, which provided robust memory encryption to protect against cold boot attacks and hardware threats, was previously accessible to users and considered a key security feature. The removal has been met with backlash from consumers who relied on this functionality, leading to feelings of betrayal.

The change was brought to light by a Linux enthusiast, who discovered that the feature was silently disabled despite still appearing enabled in BIOS settings. AMD stated that TSME was only intended for enterprise-grade AMD PRO processors, but users had assumed it would remain active based on prior functionality.

How the story developed

All 3 articles
Quiet for 19 weekslast report 22 Jun3 articles2 outlets

3 articles from 2 outlets since 15 Jun. Quiet since 22 Jun. This was the 2nd report, 14 hours after the first.

Now15 Jun17181920212223241 NovFirst reportArs Technica · 15 Jun, 18:05This article2nd of 3 · day 1Picked up againafter 6 days quiet
  • Mon 15 Jun, 18:05 UTC. Ars Technica, first report. AMD removes TSME from Ryzen CPUs, users express anger.
  • Tue 16 Jun, 08:20 UTC. SecurityOnline, its first report on the story. AMD silently disables TSME memory encryption on mid range Ryzen. This article, 2nd of 3.
  • Mon 22 Jun, 19:40 UTC. Ars Technica. AMD restores memory encryption on Ryzen CPUs after user outcry.
  • No CVE
  • Larger: an outlet’s first report
  • Coverage over time
  • Quiet time, folded
Show all 3 articles as a list
  1. Mon 15 JunDay 01
    1. AMD removes TSME from Ryzen CPUs, users express anger18:05 · Ars Technica · First report
  2. Tue 16 JunDay 11
    1. AMD silently disables TSME memory encryption on mid range Ryzen08:20 · SecurityOnline · This article, 2nd of 3

  3. Quiet for 6 days

    Mon 22 JunDay 71
    1. AMD restores memory encryption on Ryzen CPUs after user outcry19:40 · Ars Technica · Picked up again

Sources

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