TPMs and the Linux Kernel - Unlocking a Better Path to Hardware Security

Learn about hardware security implementation through TPMs (Trusted Platform Modules) in this conference talk from NDC TechTown. Explore why TPM adoption remains low despite widespread availability in modern laptops and servers, examining challenges like competing software stacks and lack of standardization. Discover how integrating TPMs with Linux Kernel subsystems, particularly the kernel keystore and cryptographic API, can provide better hardware-based security solutions. Understand how the Linux Kernel can simplify TPM implementation for third-party applications by handling complex TPM communications and offering high-level security primitives. Gain insights into overcoming common TPM implementation barriers like root access requirements and privileged group permissions while learning about practical security features like BitLocker on Windows and dm-verity on Linux.