Microsoft has just introduced a new security chip Pluton in partnership with chipmakers Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm. Pluton is based on the same security technologies that are used to protect Xbox consoles. Pluton will be built into future desktop processors by replacing the existing Trusted Platform Module (TPM).
Pluton is designed to block new and emerging attack vectors to keep PCs secure. This chip makes it more difficult for hackers to launch hardware attracts and extra sensitive data from the system. In current systems, TPMs are separated from CPUs. Attackers steal information that flows between a TPM and CPU if they get physical access to the system. In Pluton, this won’t be possible.
Pluton will work with Windows features like Windows Hello, BitLocker and System Guard that rely on Trusted Platform Module chip. Pluton has come to replace Trusted Platform Module, it will support any software that uses Trusted Platform Module APIs.
Microsoft also confirmed that Pluton design was first introduced with Xbox One console in 2013 in partnership with AMD. This made it difficult to run pirated games or hack the consoles. Later it was also introduced Microsoft’s cloud service Azure Sphere.
Along with offering strong security for Windows, Pluton will also make it simple to manage and download firmware updates.
We have no clear information on when the PCs with Pluton chips will be available. Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm have confirmed to bring SOcs with embedded Pluton chips.
Source: Microsoft
