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AMD quietly removes CPU memory encryption, leaving users vulnerable

AMD has reportedly removed the Transparent Secure Memory Encryption (TSME) feature from its consumer Ryzen CPUs without prior notification. This security feature, which encrypts memory data to prevent physical attacks, was previously available on lower-end chips but is now officially stated by AMD to be exclusive to its PRO Technologies lineup. The removal is difficult to detect on Windows and requires technical effort on Linux, leaving many users unaware of the change. The exact reason for the removal remains unclear, with speculation pointing to either an intentional policy shift or an unintentional regression in the latest AGESA firmware. AI

RANK_REASON A major hardware manufacturer has removed a security feature from consumer products without notification, impacting user security. [lever_c_demoted from significant: ic=1 ai=0.1]

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AI-generated summary · Google Gemini · from 1 sources. How we write summaries →

AMD quietly removes CPU memory encryption, leaving users vulnerable

COVERAGE [1]

  1. Tom's Hardware TIER_1 English(EN) · Etiido Uko ·

    AMD silently removes memory encryption from consumer Ryzen CPUs, leaving users unaware that they may be vulnerable — security feature vanishes after newer AGESA firmware, AMD engineers go radio silent when pressed about the change

    AMD has reportedly stripped TSME from consumer Ryzen processors after years of working support, with testing suggesting newer AGESA firmware disables the memory-encryption feature while Pro and EPYC CPUs remain unaffected.