Abstract
- HP unveils TPM Guard — the primary {hardware} resolution to dam bodily TPM bus assaults that may defeat BitLocker encryption.
- TPM Guard encrypts the TPM-CPU hyperlink and binds the TPM to the system to stop tampering.
- New LaserJet Professional and Enterprise printers ship with quantum-resistant cryptography for SMBs and enterprises — one other first.
On March 24, at HP Think about 2026, the corporate introduced a number of new merchandise and safety enhancements to assist shore up safety on PCs and printers. The star of the present is certainly HP TPM Guard, a first-of-its-kind resolution that addresses one of many largest safety gaps in BitLocker encryption. Nevertheless, that is not the one announcement: HP additionally unveiled a handful of recent printers with “quantum-resistant cryptography.”
TPM Guard
Fixing a serious safety downside
TPM Guard is the headline function of HP’s announcement. To grasp this new tech, some definitions could be useful:
- TPM: TPM stands for Trusted Platform Module. This can be a particular safety chip that shops the encryption keys for Home windows BitLocker encryption (a strong instrument for securing your laborious drive). Basically, it supplies an additional layer of safety to your encrypted system by storing the keys in a bodily location that is remoted from the remainder of the system and is more durable to tamper with. TPMs gained notoriety a number of years in the past as a result of they’re required to run Home windows 11.
- TPM bus assault: A sort of cyberattack the place attackers intercept communications between the TPM and the CPU. This enables an attacker with bodily entry to the system to successfully bypass BitLocker encryption and achieve entry to knowledge in your system. It is one of many instrument’s largest vulnerabilities.
HP’s new TPM Guard instantly addresses TPM bus assaults. HP describes it as “the primary {hardware} resolution to cease bodily TPM bus assaults,” claiming that it delivers the “world’s first enterprise pocket book to stop physical-access assaults that defeat BitLocker drive encryption.”
Associated
Microsoft quietly modified how BitLocker works — and it may lock you out of your personal PC
Home windows now encrypts drives silently, creating potential lockout dangers.
How TPM Guard works
TPM Guard principally works by “introducing an encrypted hyperlink between the TPM and CPU.” Basically, the connection that was beforehand accessed to bypass BitLocker is now encrypted, as properly. Moreover, the TPM is sure to the system, so any try and take away or tamper with it renders it inoperable. The technically inclined can learn extra in regards to the engineering behind TPM Guard on HP’s weblog.
TPM Guard will probably be obtainable beginning in July 2026 on “choose HP G2 business PCs.” In different phrases, preliminary availability will probably be targeted on enterprise laptops. Nevertheless, my hope is that the tech trickles all the way down to client machines sooner or later.
Safe printers
Quantum resistance, anybody?
Along with TPM Guard, HP additionally introduced new printers with “quantum-resistant protections.” HP claims that printers are more and more getting used as entry factors into networks. Mix that with the rising potential of quantum computer systems to interrupt cryptography, and you’ve got a recipe for potential cyberattacks.
HP is addressing this with two new printer collection: the HP LaserJet Professional 4000/4100 and the HP LaserJet Enterprise 5000/6000. These are the primary SMB and enterprise printers to ship with safety towards quantum computer-based assaults, alongside different superior safety features.
Admittedly, these aren’t the flashiest options ever introduced. However in an period the place cyberattacks are an rising concern, safety improvements are undoubtedly welcome.
