AMD AGESA update allows disabling of Platform Security Processor (PSP)

Posted on Thursday, December 07 2017 @ 21:05 CET by Thomas De Maesschalck

Well this is pretty big news. Intel's Management Engine drew a lot of criticism recently as hackers found a way to exploit it but less attention is given to AMD's Platform Security Processor (PSP), which is basically AMD's version of the Intel Management Engine.

Phoronix writes today that AMD reportedly rolled out an AGESA update that enables Ryzen users to switch off PSP. Several Reddit users who updated their firmware report they're now seeing this option in the UEFI/BIOS.

This built-in AMD Secure Processor has been criticized by some as another possible attack vector, closed-source software running on the system and locking it down, etc. PSP makes use of ARM TrustZone.

In light of the recent Intel ME vulnerabilities, AMD appears to be exposing the support in their latest AGESA update to allow the PSP to be disabled by the user through their UEFI/BIOS area.

The option is listed in the new BIOS of the Gigabyte AB350 Gaming 3 as "BIOS PSP Support - Enabled/Disabled", here's a photo of where to find it:

AMD disable PSP option in UEFI

About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.

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