What type of firmware supports the new Secure Boot option to guarantee the integrity of the startup files?

The Secure Boot feature is a part of Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) firmware. UEFI is a modern replacement for the traditional Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) that serves as the interface between the computer's hardware and its operating system.

Secure Boot is designed to ensure that only trusted software, verified through digital signatures, is allowed to run during the boot process. This enhances the security of the system by preventing the execution of unauthorized code, such as rootkits or other malicious software that could attempt to compromise the operating system before it loads.

While traditional BIOS does perform essential startup functions, it does not support Secure Boot or the advanced security features that UEFI provides. Therefore, understanding the role of UEFI in implementing Secure Boot is crucial for ensuring the integrity and security of the startup process in modern computing environments.