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EDB – Execute Disable Bit

Webopedia Staff
Last Updated May 24, 2021 7:42 am

Execute Disable Bit (EDB) is an Intel hardware-based security feature that can help reduce system exposure to viruses and malicious code. EDB allows the processor to classify areas in memory where application code can or cannot execute. When a malicious worm attempts to insert code in the buffer, the processor disables code execution, preventing damage and worm propagation.

To use Execute Disable Bit you must have a PC or server with a processor with Execute Disable Bit capability and a supporting operating system. EDB-enabled processors by Intel are indicated by a “J” after the CPU model number. Execute Disable Bit is abbreviated as EDB (by Intel) or XDB.