Methods and systems for protecting data that is intended for use and processed on video or graphics cards are described. In one embodiment, a system comprises a graphics processor unit (GPU) for processing data that is to be rendered on a monitor. Memory is operably associated with the graphics processor unit for holding data that is to be or has been processed by the GPU. A display converter converts digital data to signals for use in rendering the data on the monitor, and a memory controller is configured to receive encrypted data and decrypt the encrypted data into protected regions of the memory.