What is a Trusted Platform Module?

IP-based security solutions may now be the norm, but how can you be sure your devices – in particular IT hardware – don’t leave you open to cyber vulnerabilities? Trusted Platform Modules (TPMs) are part of the answer. Here’s why they are so important to your overall surveillance system security.

Cryptographic Operations

TPMs can perform various cryptographic functions, such as generating encryption keys, signing, verifying digital signatures, and encrypting and decrypting data. These operations occur within the secure confines of the TPM, making it difficult for hackers to intercept sensitive information.

Secure Storage

When it comes to TPMs, thinking of them as small but mighty vaults is useful. They securely store encryption keys, passwords, certificates, and other sensitive data. The stored data is typically tied to specific hardware and software configurations, making it more difficult to move or access the data on another platform. That’s bad news for hackers.

Platform Integrity

TPMs are involved in verifying the integrity of a device’s hardware and software components during the boot-up process. They can measure various components of the system – including the BIOS (basic input/output system), bootloader, and operating system – and store these measurements securely. So, detecting unauthorised changes or attempts to tamper with the system is much easier. As well as this, the system will be prevented from booting if any components have been tampered with.

Remote Attestation

Secure communication is key. TPMs can provide a mechanism for remote attestation, allowing one system to prove its configuration and security status to another system. This is useful when parties must establish trust before exchanging sensitive data or establishing a secure connection.

Password Protection

Ensuring only verified users access your system is vital. TPMs can be used to store and protect user authentication credentials, like passwords or biometric data, in a more secure manner than storing them directly on the system's storage.

Overall, a Trusted Platform Module adds an additional layer of security to devices by providing a hardware-based foundation for protecting sensitive data, verifying system integrity, and enabling secure communication.

However, TPMs should not be considered a ‘silver bullet’ for network device security. It should be noted that while a TPM provides significant security benefits, its effectiveness also depends on proper integration and implementation within your wider security system.