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What is a TPM, and why would you want one?

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Trusted Platform Module.Think of it as a physical form of 2 factor authentication married with bitlocker.

It's a physical key, of sorts, that will tell your computer if it's actually your computer. If the authenticating elements aren't present, the information on the drives is inaccessible.

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I've seen this term thrown around awhile now, and my motherboard has a header for one, but I'm still not sure what it is.

Can someone explain to me exactly what a TPM does and why you would want one?

Google did not help me in this regard.

elephants

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trusted_Platform_Module

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Trusted Platform Module (TPM, also known as ISO/IEC 11889) is an international standard for a secure cryptoprocessor, a dedicated microcontroller designed to secure hardware through integrated cryptographic keys.

It's mostly something I've seen being used by people who work for organizations like banks or the government, to aid in the safety of the data on their devices (mostly laptops).

 

"We're all in this together, might as well be friends" Tom, Toonami.

 

mini eLiXiVy: my open source 65% mechanical PCB, a build log, PCB anatomy and discussing open source licenses: https://linustechtips.com/topic/1366493-elixivy-a-65-mechanical-keyboard-build-log-pcb-anatomy-and-how-i-open-sourced-this-project/

 

mini_cardboard: a 4% keyboard build log and how keyboards work: https://linustechtips.com/topic/1328547-mini_cardboard-a-4-keyboard-build-log-and-how-keyboards-work/

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Trusted Platform Module.Think of it as a physical form of 2 factor authentication married with bitlocker.

It's a physical key, of sorts, that will tell your computer if it's actually your computer. If the authenticating elements aren't present, the information on the drives is inaccessible.

~Remember to quote posts to continue support on your thread~
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If I'm not mistaken, they contain encrypted keys for hardware authentication usually? I seem to recall BitLocker relying on them. Definitely more of an prosumer/enterprise-oriented feature as opposed to regular ol' consumer, but a lot of consumer parts still have it because why the hell not.

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1 minute ago, minibois said:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trusted_Platform_Module

It's mostly something I've seen being used by people who work for organizations like banks or the government, to aid in the safety of the data on their devices (mostly laptops).

 

Is there any conceivable reason Average Joe would want one, or no?

elephants

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1 minute ago, ragnarok0273 said:

Is there any conceivable reason Average Joe would want one, or no?

Typically no. 

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17 minutes ago, ragnarok0273 said:

Is there any conceivable reason Average Joe would want one, or no?

It's one of those "if you don't know if you need it, you don't need it" situations.

 

More regular ways of protecting your data will suffice for most users, without the use of a TPM.

"We're all in this together, might as well be friends" Tom, Toonami.

 

mini eLiXiVy: my open source 65% mechanical PCB, a build log, PCB anatomy and discussing open source licenses: https://linustechtips.com/topic/1366493-elixivy-a-65-mechanical-keyboard-build-log-pcb-anatomy-and-how-i-open-sourced-this-project/

 

mini_cardboard: a 4% keyboard build log and how keyboards work: https://linustechtips.com/topic/1328547-mini_cardboard-a-4-keyboard-build-log-and-how-keyboards-work/

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