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Intel worried about GPU viruses |
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Written by Peter Scott
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Thursday, 08 October 2009 12:20 |
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Larrabee gets inoculated
According to Xbit Labs, Intel is a bit worried that specialized viruses
targeting GPUs could soon appear, as GPGPUs become increasingly
popular.
We've talked about the potential benefits of GPGPU computing on
numerous occasions. Although there's still not enough useful GPGPU
applications for average desktop users, the concept is quite promising.
Both Nvidia and ATI have GPGPU video encoding software, and Nvidia
recently informed us that it's thinking about using its Fermi GPUs to
power antivirus software.
Intel, however, sees the GPGPU as a possible target for next generation
viruses, tailored to specifically attack such hardware. “Without
any doubts, as graphics processors get more complex, the question of
security will become more and more significant and, perhaps, we will
witness the first viruses for the GPU. This is why we are carefully
studying all the possibilities to ensure security with
Larrabee, both on API and on driver levels,” said Intel software
specialist Philipp Gerasimov.
It's worth noting that Intel's Larrabee is x86 compatible, unlike ATI
and Nvidia GPUs. So Intel would be the prime target for such viruses,
should they ever materialize. Nvidia says its Fermi chips will run C++
code, and this brings it a step closer to a proper CPU. So, instead of
discussion boards, fanboys could start fighting for their beloved
brands with viruses.
More here.
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