Both Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) and Hardware Security Module (HSM) enhance security, but they serve different purposes and operate differently. Here's how they compare within Android Pie's security architecture:
| Aspect |
TEE (Trusted Execution Environment) |
HSM (Hardware Security Module) |
| Purpose |
Secures sensitive operations (e.g., biometrics, key storage) within the main processor. |
Handles cryptographic tasks like key management and encryption in a dedicated hardware module. |
| Isolation |
Runs within the main processor in a secure execution mode (e.g., ARM TrustZone). |
Fully isolated, tamper-resistant hardware with its own processor and firmware. |
| Cryptographic Operations |
Suitable for moderate-security tasks like device-specific key management and data encryption. |
Performs high-speed cryptographic operations with strong tamper resistance. |
| Implementation in Android Pie |
Integrated with Android’s Keymaster for cryptographic tasks tied to the device. |
Rare in consumer devices; used in enterprise systems for critical key management. |
| Performance and Cost |
Less expensive and sufficient for most mobile security needs. |
More costly, designed for maximum security and enterprise-grade use cases. |
- TEE is integrated with the main processor and provides secure execution for trusted apps in consumer devices.
- HSM is a standalone, tamper-resistant module for high-assurance cryptographic operations, more common in enterprise systems than typical Android devices.
