Trusted Platform Module
In the previous article, we discussed end device security and various factors affecting it. There was a fleeting mention about TPM - the Trusted Platform Module. In this installment we will discuss mode about the TPM. Generally, for any device, the safest way to ensure it's integrity is to make sure it always boots from a secured, verified and unalterable source. This forms the logical "root" of the entire boot process. Once the device boots from a trusted source, it further uses it to verify each and every software component it utilizes. Every module checks and verifies integrity of the next module to be loaded thus forming a "chain of trust" which if broken can be easily detected. This chain of trust then can be extended to encompass other devices across and upstream the network hierarchy. In this installment, let's have a deeper look at TPM. What is TPM? TPM is (generally) a chip designed to provide security related functions. It provides functiona...