A Trusted Platform Module is necessary for Windows 11. Many people have been left wondering what a TPM is and why it is so important in light of this hardware requirement.
The TPM chip in your computer is a silent security superpower that guards your information and privacy. Learn the functions of this crucial part and why Windows 11 requires it.
What if your computer had a bodyguard built right in, ready to fend off threats and protect your personal information? It does, provided that your computer has a tiny chip known as the Trusted Platform Module (TPM).
The purpose of TPMs, which you may not be familiar with, is to prevent unauthorized access to modern computers. Continue reading to discover the functions of TPMs, the reasons Windows 11 requires one, and how turning on this little helper can result in a significant security upgrade.
What Is a TPM Exactly?
A microchip called a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is made to protect sensitive data with hardware-based security and encryption features.
To put it simply, a TPM handles encryption keys securely and functions as a hardware root of trust. As a result, it is far more difficult for attackers to gain access to private keys or alter vital system components.
The TPM specification is defined by the Trusted Computing Group (TCG), an international standards body that focuses on hardware-embedded security technologies. To provide a uniform security baseline for devices and personal computers, they developed the TPM standard.
Currently, there are two main TPM standards:
- TPM 1.2: This 2011 release included enhanced authorization and policy controls.
- TPM 2.0: The most recent major version, which was made available in 2014, included algorithms and self-encryption features in addition to more cryptographic agility.
After discussing the fundamentals of a Trusted Platform Module, let’s examine the reasons TPMs are so important for security.