Enclave Security

Definition ∞ Enclave security refers to the use of a secure, isolated processing environment within a computing system to protect sensitive data and computations. These hardware-backed secure enclaves shield critical operations from the rest of the system, even if the operating system or other software components are compromised. This technology is applied in blockchain to secure private keys, conduct confidential transactions, or verify computations off-chain while maintaining data privacy.
Context ∞ The integration of enclave security in blockchain systems is gaining prominence as a method to enhance privacy and confidentiality for digital asset transactions and smart contract execution. While offering significant security advantages, the reliance on hardware-based solutions introduces new considerations regarding trust in hardware manufacturers and potential side-channel attacks. Further research and adoption of these techniques are underway to address these concerns.