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Security Fundamentals & Crypto · Advanced

Trusted Computing Base (TCB)

All hardware, firmware, and software components critical to enforcing a system's security policy.

Definition

The TCB includes the components that, if compromised, would break the system's security guarantees, such as the kernel, reference monitor, and security-relevant firmware. A smaller TCB is easier to verify. The security perimeter is the boundary between the TCB and the rest of the system.

Example

The OS kernel, bootloader, and TPM are part of a workstation's TCB, while a word processor is not.

Exam tip

Remember the trio: TCB, security perimeter, and reference monitor implemented by the security kernel.

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