Windows 10 devices safer: from July 28 TPM 2.0 minimum requirement

Microsoft intensifies the measures to protect personal data, by imposing network of partners who have chosen to support the Windows 10 operating system, the introduction of compulsory TPM 2.0 support in the supplied PC, tablet and smartphone. The measure will take effect from July 28th for devices that will reach the market with Windows 10 desktop (versions Home, Pro, Enterprise and Education) preinstalled. At this obligation must also abide manufacturers Windows 10 Mobile smartphone.

The Trusted Platform Module 2.0 becomes thus a minimum requirement on the basis of the Windows Hardware Certification Program to be met by integrating a dedicated chip or in firmware. The TPM 2.0 support is optional for Windows devices 10 IoT Core and Windows Server 2016 Technical Preview. Microsoft adds that manufacturers will deliver PCs, tablets and smartphones Windows 10 / Windows 10 Mobile with 2.0 TPM enabled by default, it is not specified whether or not the user will have the option to disable it.

The TPM, often integrated in devices intended for use and business users, is designed to provide hardware-level security features. The main advantages offered by the TPM technology concern, first, the ability to create, store, use and protect cryptographic keys.

The storage of cryptographic keys in a chip, rather than in ridigo hard, guarantees a higher level of protection against attacks designed to gain possession and violating them. An important tool that could lead to a wider spread of two-factor authentication systems can be used, for example, to log in to the PC, applications and web services

The TPM 2.0 specification was approved as an international standard ISO / IEC in June last year. Microsoft, in communicating the decision, recalls the improvements TPM 2.0 compared to the previous version 1.2, starting from the enhancement of cryptographic algorithms and the ability to be integrated not only in the form of discrete component dedicated (DTPM), but also in the firmware (BIOS ) PC (fTPM).

A step agreed to make Windows 10 even safer, since the measure announced by the Redmond fact makes it available for users much broader and even mandatory for devices at low cost solution for data security it was mainly used with PCs and tablets intended for the business segment. The measure will not affect in any way the park existing Windows 10 machines that will not undergo any limit or restriction Recipients will be PC, tablet and smartphone Windows 10 / Windows 10 Mobile market after July 28.