Which specification is used for hardware-based storage of digital certificates and keys?

The correct choice, which identifies the specification used for hardware-based storage of digital certificates and keys, is the Trusted Platform Module (TPM). TPM is a dedicated microcontroller designed to secure hardware by integrating cryptographic keys into devices. It provides secure generation, storage, and management of cryptographic keys and can protect against unauthorized access and tampering.

A TPM can store various types of sensitive data, including digital certificates and encryption keys, making it a crucial component for ensuring data integrity and protecting digital security measures in devices. Its use in enabling secure boot processes, enhancing platform integrity, and providing a robust cryptographic foundation for applications establishes it as a standard for hardware-based security in modern computing systems.

The other specifications do serve important functions in security but do not focus solely on hardware-based storage for digital certificates and keys. A Hardware Security Module (HSM), while similar in its purpose of secure key management, is typically a standalone device designed for enterprise environments rather than a microcontroller integrated within a system, which is the primary role of a TPM. Boot order refers to the sequence in which devices are initialized at startup, and Secure Boot is a process that ensures only trusted software is loaded during the boot sequence.