Described systems and methods allow conducting computer security operations, such as detecting malware and spyware, in a bare-metal computer system. In some embodiments, a first processor of a computer system executes the code samples under assessment, whereas a second, distinct processor is used to carry out the assessment and to control various hardware components involved in the assessment. The described computer systems may be used in conjunction with a conventional anti-malware filter to increase throughput and/or the efficacy of malware scanning.