Apple Inc.
Method and apparatus for secure system boot

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for performing a secure boot of a computer system is disclosed. A computer system according to the disclosure includes an auxiliary processor and a main processor. The boot process includes initially booting the auxiliary processor. The auxiliary processor includes a non-volatile memory storing boot code for the main processor. The auxiliary processor may perform a verification of the boot code. Subsequent to verifying the boot code, the main processor may be released from a reset state. Once the main processor is no longer in the reset state, the boot code may be provided thereto. Thereafter, the boot procedure may continue with the main processor executing the boot code.