Secure element (SE)

A Secure Element (SE) is a dedicated, tamper-resistant chip inside electronic devices, like smartphones or payment cards. It securely stores sensitive information such as payment credentials or encryption keys, ensuring these are protected from hacking or unauthorized access. SEs enable safe transactions and data exchanges by performing security functions internally, reducing the risk of theft or fraud. They are used in applications like mobile payments, identity verification, and secure access, providing a trusted environment for sensitive operations without relying solely on the device's main processor or operating system.