PSP no more

Platform Security Processor (PSP) can now be disabled…

While Intel has been getting flak for the vulnerabilities found in its Management Engine (see LXF232 and LXF225) , AMD has also come under scrutiny for its similar Platform Security Processor (PSP), with critics of the closed-source network-capable co-processor claiming it could be used as a backdoor for malicious users.

AMD has resisted calls for it to open source the PSP, but it seems to be listening to its critics. A new AGESA update for Ryzen-based systems enables the PSP to be disabled through the UEFI/BIOS. The option to disable the PSP was spotted by a user on Reddit ( http://bit.ly/reddit-amd), and while it’s up to the motherboard manufacturers to release updates for their products, many people are now commending AMD for listening to its customers who expressed concern over the PSP.

If you’re interested in AMD’s reasoning for including the PSP, visit the AMD Secure Technology website ( http://bit.ly/amd-secure), where the company lists the security benefits of the Platform Security Processor. If you’re not convinced, at least you can turn it off. Will Intel follow suit with its Management Engine? Let’s hope so.