Secure Enclave / Trusted Execution Environment (TEE)
Definition
A hardware-isolated execution environment within the SoC that stores device-unique encryption keys and handles cryptographic operations. The encryption key never leaves this boundary, making it the primary barrier to decryption on locked modern devices.
Related terms
- Baseband processor
- A separate processor that manages all radio functions: cellular calls, SMS, and data connections. It runs its own real-time OS and holds...
- eMMC (embedded MultiMediaCard)
- A flash storage standard that packages NAND memory chips and a controller into one soldered module using a parallel interface. Common in...
- Flash Translation Layer (FTL)
- Firmware inside the flash storage controller that maps logical block addresses to physical NAND blocks and implements wear levelling. Deleted files may...
- System on Chip (SoC)
- A single integrated circuit that combines the application processor, GPU, memory controller, image signal processor, and often the secure enclave. The SoC...
- UFS (Universal Flash Storage)
- A newer flash storage standard using a serial interface that allows simultaneous reads and writes. Faster than eMMC and common in flagship...
Explained in
- Mobile Device Hardware ArchitectureA hardware-isolated execution environment within the SoC that stores device-unique encryption keys and handles cryptographic operations. The encryption key nev...