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Security Fundamentals & Crypto · Intermediate

Secure Enclave

Isolated, hardware-protected processor or memory region that handles sensitive data and keys apart from the main OS.

Definition

Secure enclaves, such as the Apple Secure Enclave and Android StrongBox, store biometric templates and keys so even a compromised operating system cannot extract them. The term also refers to trusted execution environments such as Intel SGX and Arm TrustZone. They protect data in use.

Example

Face ID templates on an iPhone are processed in the Secure Enclave and never leave the device.

Exam tip

Secure enclaves protect keys and data in use, even from privileged OS code.

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