Several years back, Intel unveiled its hardware level security, the Trust Platform Module, which aims to overcome software hacking, such as
intercepting the decoded output from DRM protected audio & video playback software. However, one problem with TPM is that as this chip is separate from the CPU, it is possible for a savvy hacker to intercept the data between it and the CPU by physically taping into the data path.
Now, IBM has unveiled its technology SecureBlue which it claims to be much more secure, since this is integrated directly into the CPU during its manufacture, eliminating any path to intercept. According to IBM, they claim that this encryption circuitry can be integrated into any brand or model of processor. Another advantage is improved performance, since the encryption/decryption process is all done at the hardware level. This makes it more suited to mobile phones and portable audio and media players.
While this technology does offer users to be able to enhance the security of their sensitive data, unfortunately it can be used against the consumer when it comes to locking down copyrighted material, since the DRM is now handled at the hardware level.
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In turn, content owners could use the encryption to lock down audio and video downloads, and ensure it remains protected at all times. Hackers long ago discovered ways to strip the DRM from Apple's iTunes songs and those encoded using Windows Media, often by intercepting the audio data as it is decoded during playback. Some further detail can be read on this Wired article. |
Going this far just to enhance DRM protection on music and video content seems to be going way overboard. I cannot see any hacker trying to get around DRM by intercepting the physical patch between a decryption chip and the CPU, particularly for audio where a good sound card would be much more straight forward for capturing the analogue audio fed out from the PC or portable audio device, not to mention being straight forward enough for anyone with the ability to record audio to perform.
For example, even there is no way of getting a perfect exact copy
of a vinyl record due to it analogue nature, consumers have put up with just
re-recording records to tape or to some other audio capture device for
archival. If the analogue loop-hole is the only way consumers copy DRM
protected music, then this is how they will do this.
Source: BetaNews
