Trusted Platform Module
Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is a hardware-based security chip that provides cryptographic functions, secure storage for keys and credentials, and platform integrity verification. It is commonly integrated into motherboards or as a discrete component in computers and devices to enhance security by protecting against software-based attacks and enabling features like disk encryption and secure boot.
Developers should learn about TPM when working on security-critical applications, such as implementing full-disk encryption (e.g., with BitLocker on Windows), secure authentication systems, or compliance with standards like FIPS 140-2. It is essential for building hardware-rooted trust in IoT devices, enterprise systems, and scenarios requiring tamper-resistant key storage, such as digital rights management or secure firmware updates.