AMD reinstates memory encryption in consumer CPUs after user backlash

Consumer AMD CPUs will once again offer encryption protections against physical attacks after facing user backlash for silently removing the feature. As Ars reported last week, AMD stripped the protection, known as TSME, from consumer Ryzen processors. Short for Transparent Secure Memory Encryption, TSME encrypts the entire contents stored in memory, making the data useless to adversaries performing cold boot attacks and similar intrusions requiring physical access.

About a decade ago, AMD added TSME to its high-end CPUs. Over the next few years, AMD added the protection to lower-end processors, including the consumer version of its Ryzen chips, a CPU that costs less than the Pro version. Over the years, users of these lower-end chips have gotten used to the added security, although some security experts (and plenty of novices, too) note that consumer chips are far less likely to be targeted by physical attacks.

Recently and without warning or notice, the lower-end line of AMD chips suddenly dropped the protection, and it did so in a way that was impossible to detect on Windows machines and required a fair amount of technical work when using Linux. AMD last week declined to explain or acknowledge the change. The sudden removal of TSME from consumer CPUs sparked a strong reaction from users, who expressed their disappointment and concern about the reduced security.

Faced with this backlash, AMD has decided to reinstate the feature, ensuring that consumer CPUs will once again have the added layer of protection. Why this matters: The reinstatement of TSME in consumer AMD CPUs highlights the importance of transparency and communication in the tech industry. The initial removal of the feature without notice or explanation left users feeling vulnerable and uncertain about the security of their devices.

This move demonstrates that user feedback and concerns can drive change, even for a major tech company like AMD. As the threat of physical attacks and data breaches continues to evolve, the presence of encryption protections like TSME will remain crucial for both consumer and high-end CPUs. The incident also raises questions about the long-term support and security of existing devices, and whether companies will prioritize user needs and security over other considerations.

Ultimately, the reinstatement of TSME is a positive step for consumer security, but it also underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in the tech industry.