Trusted Computing Base

Definition ∞ A Trusted Computing Base refers to the set of all hardware, firmware, and software components within a computer system that are critical for enforcing its security policy. Any vulnerability within these components could compromise the entire system’s security. The goal is to minimize the size and complexity of the TCB to reduce the attack surface and facilitate rigorous security analysis. It forms the fundamental layer of trust in a secure system.
Context ∞ Trusted Computing Base is a recurring concept in cybersecurity news, especially concerning the security of operating systems, cloud platforms, and hardware-backed digital asset wallets. Reducing the TCB is a constant objective in secure system design to enhance overall resilience against cyberattacks. Understanding the TCB is essential for evaluating the foundational security posture of any digital system.