secureelement

Secure element (SE) is a tamper-resistant hardware component designed to securely store cryptographic keys and perform cryptographic operations in an isolated environment. SEs enable trusted applications such as payment, authentication, and device attestation by keeping sensitive data away from general device memory.

SEs appear in several forms: embedded SEs (eSE) built into the device, SIM/UICC-based secure elements, removable secure elements in microSD form, and, in some deployments, cloud-based or remote secure elements that host keys and applets remotely.

GlobalPlatform provides provisioning and lifecycle management standards for SEs, while Java Card technology supports applets running inside SEs. These standards help ensure interoperable key storage and secure app execution across devices and vendors.

Key capabilities include secure key storage, cryptographic acceleration, tamper detection, secure boot, and attestation. SEs are designed to prevent keys from leaving the element and to resist physical and side-channel attacks.

Common applications include mobile payments, card emulation, strong user authentication, and device identity. Notable examples are devices with dedicated secure elements such as Apple Secure Enclave and Google's Titan modules, along with various SIM-based and vendor-provided secure elements.

While SEs provide strong protection, security depends on proper provisioning, lifecycle management, and integration with other trusted components such as trusted execution environments. Regular updates and careful design are required to mitigate risks from physical access and supply-chain vulnerabilities.