Capterra Glossary
Trusted Platform Module (TPM)
A trusted platform module (TPM) is a small chip on a computerʻs motherboard that secures hardware using cryptographic keys. A TPM chip includes a variety of physical security mechanisms, making it tamper-resistant. TPMs can be software-based, firmware-based, physical-based, or discrete TPMs. Common TPM functions include authenticating user devices, providing security against cyberthreats such as firmware and ransomware attacks, protecting digital media rights, and ensuring platform integrity. TPM chips can also store certificates, encryption keys, and passwords. TPM chips are compatible with all major operating systems and work best alongside firewalls, antivirus software, smart cards, and other security technologies.
What Small and Midsize Businesses Need to Know About Trusted Platform Module (TPM)
Protecting company data that resides on employee devices should be a main priority. If an employee laptop or tablet is stolen or lost, it could result in a company data breach. To mitigate the risk of a data breach, small and midsize companies should use TPM-protected devices that require users to identify themselves before they can access the device. This ensures that only authorized company employees can access the sensitive data that often resides on company devices.
Related Terms
- Synchronous
- Software as a Service (SaaS)
- Intranet
- Security Orchestration, Automation and Response (SOAR)
- Identity and Access Management (IAM)
- Managed Service Provider (MSP)
- Haptics
- WAN (Wide-Area Network)
- Service-oriented Architecture (SOA)
- Augmented Reality (AR)
- Chief Information Officer (CIO)
- Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
- Platform as a Service (PaaS)
- Service-Level Agreement (SLA)
- Scalability
- Data Center
- Authorization
- Multitenancy