CPC G06F 21/74 (2013.01) [G06F 9/3818 (2013.01)] | 24 Claims |
1. A method of changing a mode of operation in a processor without rebooting the processor, the method comprising:
initiating a change in configuration in a processor from a performance mode to a secure mode for a control aspect in a privilege level;
determining whether the bit for the control aspect in the privilege level is set in a Privilege Entry (PRVS) register field to secure mode;
if the bit for the control aspect in the privilege level in the PRVS register field is not set to secure mode, then setting the bit for the control aspect in the privilege level in the PRVS register field to secure mode, thereby enabling the secure mode in the processor for the control aspect in the privilege level;
determining whether to enforce secure mode for the control aspect on lower privilege levels; and
if it is determined not to enforce secure mode for the control aspect on lower privilege levels then the method of changing to the secure mode for the control aspect in the privilege level is complete.
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