For systems equipped with what technology can the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) enhance security?

The Trusted Platform Module (TPM) enhances security primarily through the use of hardware-based cryptographic keys. TPM is a specialized chip on a computer's motherboard that is designed to provide secure generation, storage, and management of cryptographic keys. By leveraging these hardware-based keys, TPM can significantly improve the security of sensitive data, ensuring that it is protected from unauthorized access and tampering.

When a TPM is used, it can create keys that are tied to the hardware platform. If someone tries to run the system on different hardware, or if the software and firmware are altered, the TPM will detect these changes and prevent unauthorized access to the stored keys. This mechanism is vital for implementing various security protocols and services, including full disk encryption and securing network communications.

Other options, such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), biometric authentication, and cloud-based storage solutions, may provide layers of security, but they do not utilize the specialized functionality of a TPM to manage cryptographic keys at the hardware level. Therefore, TPM's role in enhancing security is directly linked to its ability to generate and store hardware-based cryptographic keys effectively.