Wave Systems Corp. (fka WAVXQ)

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TPM 1.2 specifications moves forward to become ISO/IEC standards
By Claire Vishik, Intel Corporation

In 2007, TCG submitted TPM v.1.2 to JTC1 (ISO/IEC Joint Committee 1). TCG had been previously approved by JTC1 as a PAS (publicly availably specification) submitter, which enables TCG to submit it’s specifications to JTC1 for consideration to become formal international standards. In July 2008, JTC1 member countries voted to approve the transposition of the TPM 1.2 specifications as ISO/IEC standards, and after completion of the comments resolution process in October 2008, TPM 1.2 is on track to become international standards. Publication is expected in H1 of 2009 as ISO/IEC 11889, Parts 1-4.

The acceptance of TPM1.2 specifications by JTC1 is a testimony of the importance of the technology and global value of TCG’s contribution to Trusted Computing. Adherence to international standards is encouraged by many governments and valued by technology developers, therefore, ratification by JTC1 is a very good news for those interested in Trusted Computing or working in this area.

The TPM (Trusted Platform Module) is a hardware component that can securely store artifacts used to authenticate the platform (your PC or laptop). These artifacts can include passwords, certificates, or encryption keys. A TPM can also be used to store platform measurements that help ensure that the platform remains trustworthy. Authentication (ensuring that the platform can prove that it is what it claims to be) and attestation (a process helping to prove that a platform is trustworthy and has not been breached) are necessary steps to ensure safer computing in all environments.

Trusted Platform Modules can be implemented as discrete or integrated components. TPM 1.2, the specification that will become the ISO/EIC standard, is used in PC, laptops, and servers. TCG is also developing specifications to be used in mobile phones, storage devices, and for ensuring trustworthiness of networks. More information on the TPM is available on the TCG site at https://www.trustedcomputinggroup.org/groups/tpm/.


This entry was posted by Claire Vishik on Thursday, November