What is HSM?
A Hardware Security Module is a specialized, highly trusted physical device which performs all major cryptographic operations, including encryption, decryption, authentication, key management, key exchange, and more.
Important HSM features
Secure operating system
They have a security-focused operating system.
Secure design
HSMs use specially designed hardware that adheres to government standards such as Federal Information Processing Standardization (FIPS) 140-2, Common Criteria and the HSM requirements of the Payment Card Industry (PCI).
Tamper resistant
HSMs undergo a hardening process to make them resistant to illicit tampering and unintentional damage.
Isolated
HSMs control access to the devices and the data they protect. They are designed to show signs of tampering; some HSMs become inoperable or delete cryptographic keys if tampering is detected.
APIs
HSMs support a range of application programming interfaces (APIs) that enable application integration and the development of custom applications, including the Public-Key Cryptography Standard and Cryptography API Next Generation.
Access controls
HSMs control access to the devices and the data they protect. They are designed to show signs of tampering; some HSMs become inoperable or delete cryptographic keys if tampering is detected.
Why choose HSM?
- Meeting security standards and regulations
- High levels of trust and authentication
- Tamper-resistant, tamper-evident, and tamper-proof systems to provide extremely secure physical systems
- Providing the highest level of security for sensitive data and cryptographic keys on the market
- Quick and efficient automated lifecycle tasks for cryptographic keys
- Storage of cryptokeys in one place, as opposed to several different locations