TPM and HSM
TPM and HSM are two types of hardware modules used for encryption. Trusted Platform Module (TPM) and a hardware security module (HSM) can be used for hardware encryption and both are mentioned specifically in the objectives for the SY0-401 Security+ exam. With this in mind, it’s important to know what these devices are and how they differ.
Master Security+ Performance Based Questions Video
Security+ (SY0-601) Practice Test Questions
SY0-601 Practice Test Questions
Over 385 realistic Security+ practice test questions
At least 10 performance-based questions
All questions include explanations so you’ll know why the correct answers are correct,
and why the incorrect answers are incorrect.
Upgrade Your Resume with the Security+ New Version
Multiple quiz formats to let you use these questions based on the way you learn.
- Learn mode – randomized. View each of the questions in random order. Learn mode allows you to keep selecting answers until you select the correct answer. Once you select the correct answer, you’ll see the explanation. Click here to see how learn mode works.
- Test mode – randomized. View each of the questions in random order. In test mode, you can only see the correct answers and explanations after you complete the test. Click here to see how test mode works.
- Test mode – 75 random questions. View 75 random questions from the full test bank similar to how the Security+ exam has a potential maximum of 75 multiple choice questions.
Pass the First Time You Take It
Get the full bank of SY0-601 Practice Test Questions Here
Click here if you’re looking for SY0-501 Online Study Package
Security+ Full Access Package
 | Pass the First Time! |
Up-to-date Content
New multiple-choice and performance-based
questions added regularly
Pass the first time with quality practice test questions, performance-based questions, flashcards, and audio.
Buy The Full Access Study Package Today
60 Days Access
Need more time?
You can easily renew for another 60 days at a significantly reduced price.
All materials are available online shortly after making your payment.
Get the Security+ Full Access Study Package Here
Our online Security+ study materials are the perfect complement to the CompTIA Security+: Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-501 Study Guide. They can also be used to help ensure you’re ready no matter what study guide you’re using.
This exam is expensive.
Make sure you’re ready before exam day.
Here’s what you’ll get:
- All of the multiple-choice questions from the best-selling CompTIA Security+: Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-501 Study Guide. See a demo here. All questions have full explanations so you’ll know why the correct answers are correct and why the incorrect answers are incorrect.
- Over 40 new multiple-choice questions we’ve added after publishing the study guide.
- Over 30 performance-based questions. See a demo here.
- All of the flashcards from the study guide. View them in any Web browser.
- All of the audio from the study guide. Listen to a sample here.
- Access to a free discount code for 10% off your Security+ voucher.
Buy The Full Access Study Package Today
60 Days Access
All materials are available online shortly after making your payment.
Get the Security+ Full Access Study Package Here
TPM
A Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is a hardware chip on the computer’s motherboard that stores cryptographic keys used for encryption. Many laptop computers include a TPM, but if the system doesn’t include it, it is not feasible to add one. Once enabled, the Trusted Platform Module provides full disk encryption capabilities. It keeps hard drives locked, or sealed, until the system completes a system verification or authentication process.
The TPM includes a unique RSA key burned into it, which is used for asymmetric encryption. Additionally, it can generate, store, and protect other keys used in the encryption and decryption process.
HSM
A hardware security module (HSM) is a security device you can add to a system to manage, generate, and securely store cryptographic keys.
High performance HSMs are external devices connected to a network using TCP/IP. Smaller HSMs come as expansion cards you install within a server, or as devices you plug into computer ports.
One of the noteworthy differences between the two is that HSMs are removable or external devices. In comparison, a TPM is a chip
embedded into the motherboard. You can easily add an HSM to a system or a network, but if a system didn’t ship with a TPM, it’s not feasible to add one later. Both provide secure encryption capabilities by storing and using RSA keys.
The following table outlines these key characteristics. (Click for a larger view.)

Security+ Full Access Package
 | Pass the First Time! |
Up-to-date Content
New multiple-choice and performance-based
questions added regularly
Pass the first time with quality practice test questions, performance-based questions, flashcards, and audio.
Buy The Full Access Study Package Today
60 Days Access
Need more time?
You can easily renew for another 60 days at a significantly reduced price.
All materials are available online shortly after making your payment.
Get the Security+ Full Access Study Package Here
Our online Security+ study materials are the perfect complement to the CompTIA Security+: Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-601 Study Guide. They can also be used to help ensure you’re ready no matter what study guide you’re using.
This exam is expensive.
Make sure you’re ready before exam day.
Here’s what you’ll get:
- All of the multiple-choice questions from the best-selling CompTIA Security+: Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-601 Study Guide. See a demo here. All questions have full explanations so you’ll know why the correct answers are correct and why the incorrect answers are incorrect.
- Realistic SY0-601 Security+ Practice Test Questions
- Performance-based questions.
- All of the flashcards from the study guide. View them in any Web browser. See demo here
- All of the audio from the study guide.
- Access to a free discount code for 10% off your Security+ voucher.
Buy The Full Access Study Package Today
60 Days Access
All materials are available online shortly after making your payment.
Get the Security+ Full Access Study Package Here
Security+ Practice Test Question
As an example, the following question from the CompTIA Security+: Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-401 Study Guide
tests your knowledge between the two.
Question
Your organization recently purchased several new laptop computers for employees. You’re asked to encrypt the laptop’s hard drives without purchasing any additional hardware. What would you use?
A. TPM
B. HSM
C. VM escape
D. DLP
Answer. A. A Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is included in many new laptops, provides a mechanism for vendors to perform hard drive encryption, and does not require purchasing additional hardware.
An HSM is a removable hardware device and is not included with laptops, so it requires an additional purchase.
A VM escape attack runs on a virtual system, and if successful, it allows the attacker to control the physical host server and all other virtual servers on the physical server.
A network-based Data Loss Protection (DLP) system can examine and analyze network traffic and detect if confidential company data is
included.
TPM and HSM Summary
TPM and HSM are modules used for encryption. A Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is a hardware chip on the motherboard included on many newer laptops and it provides full disk encryption. An HSM is a removable or external device that can generate, store, and manage RSA keys used in asymmetric encryption. HSMs are used with high-volume e-commerce sites to increase the performance of SSL sessions, and some high-availability clusters needing encryption services use clustered HSMs. You can find more about TPM and HSM topics in the CompTIA Security+: Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-401 Study Guide.
Other Security+ Study Resources
Apps for Your Mobile Devices
Free No Risk Discount CompTIA Voucher Code