A prescaler is a hardware or software component commonly used in embedded systems and cybersecurity contexts to divide the frequency of a clock signal before it reaches a peripheral, timer, or bus. By reducing the clock frequency, prescalers enable peripherals to operate at speeds compatible with their design limitations, thus preventing errors or malfunctions. In cybersecurity, prescalers can be important for timing-sensitive operations, ensuring that cryptographic modules or security protocols function correctly without timing vulnerabilities. Adjusting the prescaler value allows for flexible system configuration and power optimization, making it a crucial element in secure and efficient system design.