Patent attributes
A trusted co-processor can provide a hardware-based observation point into the operation of a host machine owned by a resource provider or other such entity. The co-processor can be installed via a peripheral card on a fast bus, such as a PCI bus, on the host machine. The co-processor can execute malware detection software, and can use this software to analyze data and/or code obtained from the relevant resources of the host machine. The trusted co-processor can notify the customer or another appropriate entity of the results of the scan, such that an appropriate action can be taken if malware is detected. The results of the scan can be trusted, as malware will be unable to falsify such a notification or modify the operation of the trusted co-processor.
