Intel reveals iGPU-accelerated Threat Detection Technology

Intel has officially unveiled two new technologies which will enhance the security of their modern core platforms, utilising silicon-level features to detect malware faster and with fewer system resources.   

The first of these new technologies is Accelerated Memory Scanning, which utilises Intel’s integrated graphics technology to scan memory faster than using CPU-based methods. In short, this method uses fewer system resources, reducing power consumption and the CPU overhead of the task, freeing up more performance that can be utilised elsewhere. 

Intel estimates that this tech can drop CPU usage from 20% to as little as 2% while scanning memory, offloading the workload to the company’s often underutilised integrated graphics solution. Microsoft has plans to integrate this feature into Windows Defender’s Advanced Threat Protection, with Intel planning to get other anti-virus software providers to adopt the feature. This feature is only available on 6th Generation or newer Intel processors with Integrated graphics (Skylake or newer). 

The second feature that Intel announced is their Advanced Platform Telemetry, combining Telemetry and Machine Learning algorithms to detect threats with a minimal performance impact. Instead of using OS-level data, Intel can use their CPU’s internal performance counters to spot unusual activity, which could allow Intel products to detect issues with fewer false positives. Cisco plans to utilise this technology in their Tetration platform.