Measured Boot vs. Trusted Boot

Attribute	Measured Boot	Trusted Boot
Definition	Ensures the integrity of the boot process by measuring and verifying each step	Establishes a chain of trust from the hardware to the operating system
Implementation	Implemented through technologies like TPM (Trusted Platform Module)	Implemented through secure boot protocols and hardware-based root of trust
Security	Focuses on verifying the boot process and detecting any tampering	Focuses on establishing trust in the boot process and preventing unauthorized modifications
Verification	Uses cryptographic measurements to verify the integrity of each boot component	Relies on secure boot protocols to verify the authenticity of each boot component

Introduction

Measured Boot and Trusted Boot are two security features that aim to protect the boot process of a computer system from malicious attacks. While both technologies serve a similar purpose, they have distinct attributes that set them apart. In this article, we will compare the attributes of Measured Boot and Trusted Boot to help users understand the differences between the two.

Measured Boot

Measured Boot is a security feature that ensures the integrity of the boot process by measuring and storing cryptographic hashes of each component loaded during boot. These measurements are then stored in a trusted platform module (TPM) or a secure boot log. Measured Boot allows the system to verify the integrity of the boot process and detect any unauthorized changes or malware that may have been introduced during boot.

• Measures and stores cryptographic hashes of boot components
• Uses a trusted platform module (TPM) or secure boot log
• Verifies integrity of boot process
• Detects unauthorized changes or malware

Trusted Boot

Trusted Boot, on the other hand, is a security feature that focuses on establishing a chain of trust during the boot process. It ensures that each component loaded during boot is signed by a trusted entity, such as a certificate authority. Trusted Boot verifies the digital signatures of boot components to ensure that they have not been tampered with or replaced by malicious software.

• Establishes a chain of trust during boot process
• Verifies digital signatures of boot components
• Ensures components are signed by trusted entity
• Prevents tampering or replacement by malicious software

Comparison

While Measured Boot and Trusted Boot both aim to protect the boot process, they have different approaches to achieving this goal. Measured Boot focuses on measuring and verifying the integrity of boot components, while Trusted Boot focuses on establishing a chain of trust through digital signatures. Measured Boot is more concerned with detecting unauthorized changes or malware, while Trusted Boot is more focused on preventing tampering or replacement of boot components.

One key difference between Measured Boot and Trusted Boot is the use of cryptographic hashes versus digital signatures. Measured Boot stores cryptographic hashes of boot components, while Trusted Boot verifies digital signatures of boot components. This difference in approach can impact the level of security provided by each technology, as cryptographic hashes may be more susceptible to collision attacks compared to digital signatures.

Another difference between Measured Boot and Trusted Boot is the use of trusted platform modules (TPMs). Measured Boot utilizes TPMs to store the measurements of boot components, while Trusted Boot does not necessarily require TPMs for its operation. This reliance on TPMs can impact the deployment and compatibility of Measured Boot, as not all systems may have TPMs available.

Additionally, Measured Boot and Trusted Boot may have different requirements in terms of hardware and software support. Measured Boot may require specific hardware features, such as TPMs, to function properly, while Trusted Boot may rely more on software-based mechanisms for establishing trust. This difference in requirements can influence the adoption and implementation of each technology in different systems.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Measured Boot and Trusted Boot are two security features that aim to protect the boot process of a computer system from malicious attacks. While both technologies serve a similar purpose, they have distinct attributes that set them apart. Measured Boot focuses on measuring and verifying the integrity of boot components, while Trusted Boot focuses on establishing a chain of trust through digital signatures. Understanding the differences between Measured Boot and Trusted Boot can help users make informed decisions about which technology to implement based on their specific security needs and requirements.