A hardware security module (HSM) is a physical computing device that safeguards and manages digital keys, performs encryption and decryption functions for digital signatures, strong authentication and other cryptographic functions. These modules traditionally come in the form of a plug-in card or an external device that attaches directly to a computer or network server. A hardware security module contains one or more secure crypto processor chips.
They are designed to have very high security, and as such, are used to protect an organization’s most valuable cryptographic keys. Due to their long history, HSMs are also widely trusted by the most security-conscious in the industry.
Hardware security modules, normally referred to as HSMs, have been getting a great deal of attention in the cybersecurity space over the last several years. This recent recognition is well-deserved, as HSMs offer some of the strongest security among any physical devices available to the public.
Challenges
While many enterprises have already invested in HSMs, not all businesses have done the same. There are still many organizations that store cryptographic data and private key material in the cloud, on end-user workstations, or some combination of those places, with only software-level protection. This creates major security vulnerabilities and simply isn’t the recommended approach to cryptographic key management. If this situation sounds familiar to you, an HSM might be just the solution you need.
How can this technology help you?
A hardware security module can be employed in any application that uses digital keys. Typically, the keys would be of high value – meaning there would be a significant, negative impact to the owner of the key if it were compromised.
The functions of an HSM are:
- onboard secure cryptographic key generation
- onboard secure cryptographic key storage, at least for the top level and most sensitive keys, which are often called master keys
- key management
- use of cryptographic and sensitive data material, for example, performing encryption or digital signature functions
- offloading application servers for complete asymmetric and symmetric cryptography.
HSMs are also deployed to manage transparent data encryption keys for databases and keys for storage devices such as disk or tape.
HSMs provide both logical and physical protection of these materials, including cryptographic keys, from disclosure, non-authorized use, and potential adversaries.
HSMs support both symmetric and asymmetric (public-key) cryptography. For some applications, such as certificate authorities and digital signing, the cryptographic material is asymmetric key pairs (and certificates) used in public-key cryptography. With other applications, such as data encryption or financial payment systems, the cryptographic material consists mainly of symmetric keys.
Some HSM systems are also hardware cryptographic accelerators. They usually cannot beat the performance of hardware-only solutions for symmetric key operations. However, with performance ranges from 1 to 10,000 1024-bit RSA signs per second, HSMs can provide significant CPU offload for asymmetric key operations. Since the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is recommending the use of 2,048-bit RSA keys from year 2010, performance at longer key sizes has become more important. To address this issue, most HSMs now support elliptic curve cryptography (ECC), which delivers stronger encryption with shorter key lengths.
Advantages
If an attacker gains access to your business’s most critical data, like a root certificate or a code signing key, the consequences can be catastrophic. That’s why it’s so essential to store sensitive cryptographic material in hardware security modules.
HSMs are crafted to be the most secure physical devices available to private companies. Virtually all HSMs are FIPS 140-2 certified, normally at Level 2 or Level 3 but sometimes certified at Level 4, the highest tier, for companies that need unparalleled security.
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