Trusted Platform Module

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

In computing, Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is both the name of a published specification detailing a secure cryptoprocessor that can store secured information, as well as the general name of implementations of that specification, often called "TPM chip", "Fritz chip" or "TPM Security Device" (Dell). The TPM specification is the work of the Trusted Computing Group. The current version of the TPM specification is 1.2 Revision 103, published on July 9 2007.^[1]

1 Overview
2 Uses
- 2.1 Disk encryption
- 2.2 Other uses
3 TPM microcontroller manufacturers
4 See also
5 References
6 External links

Overview

A Trusted Platform Module offers facilities for secure generation of cryptographic keys, the ability to limit the use of cryptographic keys, as well as a hardware pseudo-random number generator. It also includes capabilities such as remote attestation and sealed storage. Remote attestation creates a nearly unforgeable hash key-summary of the hardware and software. To what extent the software is being summarized is decided by the software that is encrypting the data . This allows a third party to verify that the software has not been changed. Sealing encrypts data in such a way that it may be decrypted only if the TPM releases the right decryption key, which it only does if the exact same software is present as when it encrypted the data. Binding encrypts data using the TPM's endorsement key, a unique RSA key burned into the chip during its production, or another trusted key.

A Trusted Platform Module can be used to authenticate hardware devices. Since each TPM chip has a unique and secret RSA key burned in during the production, it is capable of performing platform authentication. For example, it can be used to verify that the system seeking the access is the expected system.

Uses

Disk encryption

Full disk encryption applications, such as Microsoft's new desktop operating system Windows Vista, use this technology as part of the BitLocker Drive Encryption feature. Available only in the Ultimate and Enterprise editions of Windows Vista,^[2] BitLocker encrypts the computer's operating system volume and provides integrity authentication for a trusted boot pathway (i.e. BIOS, boot sector, etc.) Other volumes can be encrypted using built-in command-line tools (although not via the GUI currently). Future operating systems are expected to have increased TPM support for additional cryptographic features.

Generally, pushing the security down to the hardware level in conjunction with software provides more avenues for protection than a software-only solution that can be compromised by an attacker. Starting in 2006, many new laptop computers have been sold with a Trusted Platform Module chip built-in. In the future, this concept could be co-located on an existing motherboard chip in computers, or any other device where a TPM's facilities could be employed, such as a cell phone. Intel is planning to integrate the TPM capabilities into the southbridge chipset in 2008.^[3]