RALEIGH, N.C., May 17 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers say encryption hardware can address security concerns hampering the adoption of new memory technology in next-generation computers.
Non-volatile main memory, set to replace dynamic random access memory in computers, offers the promise of faster computer start times and more memory capacity.
However, NVMM poses a security risk, because data written to such memory -- like a credit card number -- remains stored in the memory even when the computer is turned off, unlike DRAM memory that "forgets" the data as soon as the power is removed.
This could give criminals access to personal information or other data if a computer is stolen.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a hardware encryption system dubbed i-NVMM to solve this problem, a university release said Tuesday.
I-NVMM relies on a self-contained encryption engine that is incorporated directly into the memory module.
Data still remains in memory when the computer is shut off but it is completely and automatically encrypted.
"Basically, unless someone accesses your computer while you're using it, all of your data is protected," North Carolina State professor of electrical and computer engineering Yan Solihin said.
