HSM
A Hardware Security Module (HSMs) is a physical computing device that safeguards and manages digital keys for strong authentication and provides crypto processing. A HSM can also be defined as a dedicated crypto processor that is specifically designed for the protection of the crypto key lifecycle.
They act as trust anchors that protect the cryptographic infrastructure of some of the most security-conscious organizations in the world by securely managing, processing, and storing cryptographic keys inside a hardened, tamper-resistant device. 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 can be employed in any application that uses digital keys. Typically the keys must be of high-value – meaning there would be a significant, negative impact to the owner of the key if it were compromised.
Enterprises buy hardware security modules to protect transactions, identities, and applications because HSMs excel at securing cryptographic keys and provisioning encryption, decryption, authentication, and digital signing services for a wide range of applications.
With the Hardware Security Modules, You Can:
- Offload and accelerate cryptographic operations to a dedicated cryptographic processor that eliminates bottlenecks and maximizes application performance.
- Centralize lifecycle management of cryptographic keys—from generation, distribution, rotation, storage, termination, and archival— in a purpose-built, highly secure appliance
- Improve profitability and achieve compliance with solutions for paper-to-digital initiatives, PCI DSS, digital signatures, DNSSEC, hardware key storage, transactional acceleration, certificate signing, code or document signing, bulk key generation, data encryption, and more.
General Purpose
Available in a wide range of form factors and performance options, the General Purpose HSMs safeguard the cryptographic keys used to secure transactions, applications, and sensitive data.
- A network-attached HSM protecting encryption keys used by applications in on-premise, virtual, and cloud environments.
- An embedded HSM that protects cryptographic keys and accelerates sensitive cryptographic operations.
- An USB-attached HSM that is ideal for storing root cryptographic keys in an offline key storage device.
Financial & Payment HSMs
Payment Hardware Security Modules support the security needs of retail payment processing environments, internet payment applications, and web-based PIN delivery.
- A network-attached Hardware Security Module (HSM) designed for retail payment system processing environments for credit, debit, e-purse and chip cards, as well as internet payment applications.
- Another one a secure Web-based PIN issuance and management solution that eliminates the need for expensive, insecure, and time-consuming paper-based PIN delivery to customers.