What security measure uses a unique key that can be used for hardware system identification?

The Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is a specialized hardware component that provides a secure environment for generating, storing, and managing cryptographic keys. One of its primary purposes is to enhance security through unique hardware identifiers. The TPM uses a unique key called the "Endorsement Key" that is embedded in the hardware during manufacturing. This key serves as a hardware identifier and can be used to bind cryptographic keys to the specific platform, meaning it is tied to the device itself.

This capability is essential for various security functions, such as verifying the integrity of the boot process, providing hardware-based key generation and storage, and enabling secure authentication mechanisms. These functions help ensure that the device has not been tampered with and is running trusted software, thereby bolstering overall system security.

Other options do not provide the same level of unique hardware identification. For example, Secure Boot is a feature that checks the BIOS and bootloader to ensure that only trusted software can initiate the boot sequence, but it does not generate or store a unique hardware key. A Hardware Security Key typically refers to a physical device used for secure authentication, while Encryption Software focuses on encrypting data rather than identifying hardware systems.