A hardware root of trust is a foundational security component embedded in computer hardware, such as a chip or module, that provides a secure basis for verifying the integrity of a system’s firmware and software. Upon startup, it checks that code and configurations have not been tampered with, enabling secure boot processes and protecting against low-level attacks. Because it is hardware-based, it is less susceptible to compromise than software-only solutions. Hardware roots of trust are essential for establishing a chain of trust, ensuring that only trusted software is loaded and executed, and enabling features like secure key storage, device authentication, and attestation. They are widely used in modern computers, servers, and mobile devices.