Via has released a software development kit (SDK) to help x86 developers use the random number generator and cryptographic engine built into newer Via/Centaur processors. The PadLock SDK will help both Linux and Windows developers write security processing applications that consume less system resources and run faster, Via says.

The PadLock SDK makes use of the PadLock Hardware Security Suite incorporated in newer Via processors. Supported processors include the incredibly tiny Eden-N, as well as Antaur and C3 chips based on the C5P Nehemiah core. Via processors with the PadLock Hardware Security Suite are common in newer Via Mini-ITX and nano-ITX boards (pictured above), as well as in a wide range of embedded boards, OEM systems, and thin-clients from numerous third-party vendors.

The PadLock Hardware Security Suite includes the PadLock RNG, a hardware-based random number generator, and Via PadLock ACE (Advanced Cryptography Engine), which processes low-level algorithms used in AES (advanced encryption standard) cryptography.

Via processors that include the PadLock Hardware Security Suite support special x86 instructions that accelerate random number generation and AES algorithm processing. The instructions can be used by x86 operating systems, and by user-space x86 applications, according to Glenn Henry, chief of Via's Centaur processor division. Henry notes that BSD and Linux already support PadLock instructions — with Linux offering a choice of several loadable kernel modules — while Windows has been slower to integrate support for the PadLock x86 instructions.

Lack of OS support need not deter application developers from adding PadLock support, however, notes Via processor platform marketing manager Tim Handley, who says that CyberScrub 3.5 is the first third party software package to integrate Via PadLock RNG support.

“CyberScrub 3.5 uses random data to fill up available space on your hard drive, and in particular, to fill up space over previously deleted files to make them irretrievable,” Handley explains. “This program can take a while to complete its run, and draws quite a bit of resources. If run on a system that uses a Via processor with the VIA PadLock RNG, it not only runs faster, but also requires less CPU utilization, because the random number generation is not being done in software.”

“The need for better information security is driving unprecedented innovation in security software. We aim to make it as simple as possible for our partners to include support for the Via PadLock security features; the Via PadLock SDK will be a useful tool for novice and experienced programmers alike,” said Via spokesperson Justin Hsu.

The SDK

Via calls the new PadLock SDK “a step-by-step programming guide” to x86 instructions that can take on much of the heavy lifting involved with information security applications. It says the SDK is easy to use, and consists of programming guides, source code for Windows and Linux operating systems, and reference code samples such as the VIA PadLock ZIP utility that developers can “directly copy into other programs.”

The Via PadLock SDK is available for download from OpenFoundry.org and from ViaArena.

Via initially announced the PadLock ACE SDK in March, saying it would contribute the tools along with some sample applications under the GNU General Public License.

 
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