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Chicago (IL) - A small utility is now available to test the DEP security feature in AMD and Intel 64-bit CPUs.
With the RC1 of Windows XP Service Pack 2 announced yesterday, as well as the Service Pack 1 for Windows Server 2003, Microsofts operating system now supports a new security feature in AMD and Intel 64-bit CPUs which adds enhanced virus protection.
Called "Data Execution Prevention" (DEP) or "NX" (No Execution), the feature marks all memory locations in a process as non-executable unless the location explicitly contains executable code. AMD as well as Intel claim that potentially malicious code in regions which normally do not contain code - such as the program stack - can now be detected by the CPU.
The small utility "NXTEST" by Robert Schlabbach is able to test DEP and is available for free download. You will need a 64-bit AMD or Intel CPU and Windows XP with Service Pack 2, Windows XP 64 bit with Service Pack 1, or Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 1 to run the test.
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Wolfgang Gruener is an experienced professional in digital strategy and content, specializing in web strategy, content architecture, user experience, and applying AI in content operations within the insurtech industry. His previous roles include Director, Digital Strategy and Content Experience at American Eagle, Managing Editor at TG Daily, and contributing to publications like Tom's Guide and Tom's Hardware.
