[Special feature] What is "TPM 2.0" that became mandatory in Windows 11? Introducing the role of TPM and how to check it-PC Watch

Role of TPM

The system requirements for Windows 11 announced on June 25, 2021 have stipulated "TPM 2.0", which has attracted a great deal of attention.

Microsoft had announced the need to implement TPM 2.0 for Windows 10-equipped machines as of 2016, but with the release of Windows 11 later this year (2021), it will become mandatory in earnest. It seems that they are aiming.

TPM (Trusted Platform Module) is a module for providing various security functions on a device.

A module equipped with an encryption algorithm engine, hash engine, key generator, random number generator, non-volatile memory (stores keys, etc.), etc., and is used to create and restrict the use of encryption keys in the TPM. To.

Simply put, it is a mechanism for managing the key used for encryption in a secure place.

For example, when locking a safe, if you keep the safe and the key in the same place, it is likely to be opened, but someone who can store the key in a place other than the safe (that is, TPM) and retrieve the key. By strictly controlling the contents of the safe, the contents of the safe are protected.

There are 1.2 and 2.0 in TPM, but 2.0 has greatly enhanced functions and specifications are also significantly different. Specifically, ECC has become available in addition to the conventional RCA as an encryption algorithm, and the layer for managing keys is divided from 1.2 1 layer to 3 layers, for applications. As a function set, not only PCs but also libraries for mobile phones and in-vehicle devices are available.

For older PCs, there are cases where 1.2 is supported, but it should be noted that it is not suitable for the above-mentioned requirements for Windows 11.