A Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is a hardware component that provides secure storage for cryptographic keys, digital certificates, and other sensitive data. TPMs are used in a variety of applications, including authentication, data protection, and remote attestation. There are two main types of TPMs: discrete TPMs and firmware TPMs.
Discrete TPMs are standalone chips that are installed on a computer’s motherboard. They are typically more expensive than firmware TPMs, but they offer a higher level of security. Firmware TPMs are embedded in a computer’s BIOS or UEFI firmware. They are less expensive than discrete TPMs, but they offer a lower level of security. Both discrete TPMs and firmware TPMs can be used to protect sensitive data, but discrete TPMs are generally considered to be more secure.
