# Hardware Security
Hardware security protects devices and their data from tampering and leakage by enforcing secure boot, trusted execution, protected key storage, and robust physical protections.
Hardware security encompasses a spectrum of technologies and practices to defend device hardware and its data from threats. Key areas include:
1) Secure Boot: ensures the system boots only trusted firmware by establishing a root of trust that extends from hardware, firmware, and software.
2) Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs): isolate sensitive code and data, reducing exposure to compromised OS or apps.
3) Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) and Secure Elements: provide tamper-resistant key storage and accelerated cryptographic operations.
4) Cryptographic Techniques: robust key management, hardware-based key storage, random bit generation, anti-tamper measures, algorithm agility, and secure attestation.
5) Physical Security: tamper-evident seals, shielding, failure-safe encapsulations, and environmental protections.
6) Firmware and Supply Chain Security: secure boot chains, signed firmware, secure updates, and supply chain auditing.
7) Threat Modeling, Verification, and Compliance: formal risk assessments, testing (FIPS 140-3, CC), and ongoing governance.
8) Operational Practices: strict access control, rotation and destruction of keys, incident response, and auditability.
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Rel_iot_security["iot-security"]:::related -.-> Center
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Rel_security_automation["security-automation"]:::related -.-> Center
click Rel_security_automation "/terms/security-automation"
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is hardware security?
Hardware security is the practice of protecting devices and the data they process from threats through a combination of hardware-based protections and secure software practices.
What are Secure Boot and TEEs?
Secure Boot establishes a chain of trust during startup, while TEEs provide isolated environments for sensitive computations and data.
Why are physical protections necessary?
Physical protections prevent tampering, environmental damage, and unauthorized access to embedded keys and secrets.
How are keys protected in hardware?
Keys are stored in tamper-resistant storage such as HSMs/secure elements and are used through controlled cryptographic operations.