HSM Services
Growing use of HSMs to strengthen PKI security.
PKI vendors are increasingly using hardware security models (HSMs) to strengthen the encryption key. HSMs helps in protecting and managing encryption keys for strong authentication and provides crypto processing. HSMs mainly perform tasks such as random number generation along with asymmetric and symmetric key generation. The demand for HSMs is expected to accelerate as businesses are looking for more secure and advanced security solutions that are compatible with their future business requirements. These benefits will boost the demand for PKI security, which in turn, will have a positive impact on the overall market growth.
What is a Hardware Security Module (HSM)?
A Hardware Security Module is a device to generate, store and manage cryptographic and digital keys safely. The functions of a Hardware Security Module include key generation, encryption & decryption, strong authentication and digital signing operations. A Hardware Security Module secures numerous applications and transactions, keeping digital identities, critical infrastructures and high value data assets safe. The physical device offers high computing power to perform crypto operations and provides different levels of tamper-resistance.
Built with specialized hardware and thoroughly tested and certified by third-party regulators, HSMs have strictly controlled access. These modules work similar to a credit card with a chip: the chip can’t be broken, the authentication occurs inside, and it’s virtually impossible to tamper with it.
Utimaco CryptoServer HSM
Hardware Security Modules (HSM) as 19” network appliances: ideal for immediate use in Network and Data Centers. There are two types of HSM: Payment HSM and General Purpose HSM.
Overall features include:
- Dual field-replaceable power supply
- Dual Network Interface 2 x 1Gbit
- Flash Disk
- Hardware watchdog on board
- Display and navigation panel
- Field-replaceable battery
- External erase button
- USB Ports
- Automatic voltage detection 100-240 V
Hardware Security Modules (HSM) as PCIe cards: suitable for all common PC and server architectures, as well as customized chassis
The main features here include:
- Tamper protection acc. FIPS 140-2 Level 3 resp. Level 4 physical security requirements
- Support for Windows and Linux (RHEL, SLES, Debian) operating systems
- Multi-tenancy support
Hardware Security Module (Appliance) : Utimaco CryptoServer LAN V5
Utimaco CryptoServer Se-Series Gen2 (PCIe)
Hardware Security Module: Utimaco CryptoServer CSe-Series (PCIe)
Advantages of Using an HSM
There are many benefits of using an HSM to protect your data.
- Provides maximum security. HSMs provide one of the highest levels of security against external threats. It’s safe to use and helps protect against malicious hacks.
- Take customer data seriously. Show customers that you take their privacy seriously by going the extra mile to safeguard their information, especially their payment information.
- Get HSM as a service. For companies that can’t afford to invest in an HSM but need to have PCI DSS certification, some IT providers offer HSM as a service, which makes this technology more accessible and affordable for some businesses.
- Keep your key in just one place. Unlike storing a key in software—where it could virtually end up anywhere—the HSM alone keeps the key, making it easier to track and safeguard. The key cannot leave the device.
- Enjoy tamper-proof protection. Some HSMs are tamper evident and others are tamper-resistant depending on their specific features, providing a level of security that’s difficult to achieve when using software alone.
