Microsoft is very serious about the security of its users data, despite evidence of the contrary in recent times. The Redstone update for Windows 10 is set to introduce a number of advanced security features into the mix And this security-focus might be one of the reasons why they’re adamant about increasing, and even sometimes forcing, adoption of Windows 10.
Redstone will heavily rely on TPM 2.0 features
One of the new features will be a new requirement that all new devices have a Trusted Platform 2.0 module installed and enabled in order to properly work. This would enable a much higher standard of security for all devices running Windows 10, and help protect against a myriad of threats. Interestingly, TPM 2.0 will be required for Windows 10 devices on July 28th 2016, which might just be the release date of the Redstone update.
Version 2.0 of TPM introduces a greater amount of cryptographic agility, in that it’s able to use SHA-256 for hashing and signing certificates, which is far safer. Crucially, TPM also supports ECC, so if someone tries to interrupt the generation of keys, it can more easily be corrected and caught.
Even though most consumers might not think this is important, the TPM modules (whether AMD’s Security Processor, Intel’s Management Engine or ARM’s Trust Zone) are used for a lot of behind the scenes cryptography within the OS itself. It’s an integral part of Windows Hello, Windows Passport, Bit Locker and of course Secure Boot if those are enabled.