Dear Readers,
What is a Hardware Security Module (HSM)?
Hardware security modules (HSMs) are hardened, tamper-resistant hardware devices that secure cryptographic processes by generating, protecting, and managing keys used for encrypting and decrypting data and creating digital signatures and certificates. HSMs are tested, validated and certified to the highest security standards including FIPS 140-2 and Common Criteria. Entrust is a leading global provider of HSMs with the nShield General Purpose HSM product family.
HSMs enable organizations to:
- Meet and exceed established and emerging regulatory standards for cybersecurity, including GDPR, eIDAS, PCI DSS, HIPAA, etc
- Achieve higher levels of data security and trust
- Maintain high service levels and business agility
A vast majority of existing HSMs are designed mainly to manage secret keys. Many HSM systems have means to securely back up the keys they handle outside of the HSM. Keys may be backed up in wrapped form and stored on a computer disk or other media, or externally using a secure portable device like a smartcard or some other security token.
HSMs are used for real time authorization and authentication in critical infrastructure thus are typically engineered to support standard high availability models including clustering, automated failover, and redundant field-replaceable components.
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.
What is HSM as a service or Cloud HSM?
HSM as a service is a subscription-based offering where customers can use a hardware security module in the cloud to generate, access, and protect their cryptographic key material, separately from sensitive data. The service offering typically provides the same level of protection as an on-premises deployment, while enabling more flexibility. Customers can transfer CapEx to OpEx, enabling them to only pay for the services they need, when they need them.
nShield as a Service uses dedicated FIPS 140-2 Level 3 certified nShield HSMs. The offering delivers the same full set of features and functionality as on-premise nShield HSMs, combined with the benefits of a cloud service deployment. This allows customers to fulfill either their cloud first objectives or deploy a mix of on-premise and as-a-Service HSMs, with maintenance of the as-a-Service appliances performed by the experts at Entrust.
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With design experience of close to 4 decades of excellence, world-class talent, and innovative breakthroughs, Ambimat Electronics is a single-stop solution enabler to Leading PSUs, private sector companies, and start-ups to deliver design capabilities and develop manufacturing capabilities in various industries and markets. AmbiIoT design services have helped develop Smartwatches, Smart homes, Medicals, Robotics, Retail, Pubs and brewery, Security.
Ambimat Electronics has come a long way to become one of India’s leading IoT(Internet of things) product designers and manufacturers today. We present below some of our solutions that can be implemented and parameterized according to specific business needs. AmbiPay, AmbiPower, AmbiCon, AmbiSecure, AmbiSense, AmbiAutomation.
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References:-
https://www.entrust.com/resources/hsm/faq/what-are-hardware-security-modules
