UEFI Secure Boot
TLDR: UEFI Secure Boot is a security feature introduced with the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) in 2011 to ensure that a system boots only with software that is trusted by the manufacturer. It prevents malicious code, such as bootkits, from loading during the boot process by verifying digital signatures on firmware and operating system components. Secure Boot is widely used in modern systems to enhance security and maintain integrity.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unified_Extensible_Firmware_Interface
When enabled, UEFI Secure Boot checks each piece of software involved in the boot process, such as the bootloader, kernel, and drivers, against a set of trusted certificates stored in the firmware. If a component fails verification, the system halts the boot process to prevent potentially harmful code from executing. This feature is particularly beneficial for enterprise and server environments, where maintaining a secure boot chain is critical to preventing breaches.
https://uefi.org/specifications
Linux distributions like Ubuntu and Red Hat Enterprise Linux support Secure Boot by providing signed bootloaders and kernels. While it strengthens security, Secure Boot can pose challenges for users who wish to load custom kernels or unsigned software. These issues can often be addressed by enrolling custom keys or disabling the feature. By ensuring that only trusted software is executed, UEFI Secure Boot plays a vital role in modern system security.