What is HSM? What are the benefits of using an HSM?

Today, organizations collect and keep sensitive client data such as credit card information, banking details, health records, and so on. Misuse of these sensitive data could result in a digital tragedy. This client information is frequently saved in devices and on servers.

Even encrypted data can be disclosed when the private key is stolen or hacked. This is why businesses use Hardware Security Modules (HSM) to protect data from leaks or tampering.

Compliance with government regulations is no longer enough to ensure data security. It is now the key to success for many businesses.

You might have heard of the term encryption keys before. You wish to encrypt your biometric data, perhaps your database, or just some random data for security compliance reasons. To encrypt, you’ll need an encryption key, which you’ll use to encrypt your data.

A random string of bits called an encryption key is constructed specifically for scrambling and unscrambling data. We usually utilize several algorithms to generate these encryption keys in order to make them unpredictable and distinctive.

There is a considerable chance of a hacker gaining access to your system and disclosing your encryption key. So, what’s the solution? I suggest using HSM (Hardware Security Module).

What is HSM (Hardware Security Module)?

A general-purpose hardware security module is a standards-compliant cryptographic device that protects sensitive data in transit, usage, and storage using physical security measures, logical security controls, and strong encryption.

The hardware security module establishes a secure environment in which cryptographic operations such as key exchange, key management, and encryption can be carried out.

Without a hardware security module, conventional operations and cryptographic operations occur in the same locations, allowing attackers to access both ordinary business logic data and sensitive information such as keys and certificates. Hackers can install arbitrary certificates, obtain unauthorized access, modify code, and otherwise damage cryptographic processes.

A dedicated cryptographic processor known as a hardware security module (HSM) is used to safeguard very essential and sensitive keys and assets. HSMs serve as trust anchors, securing the cryptographic infrastructure of some of the world’s most secure organizations. This piece of hardware may appear little, but it packs a punch. Inside its hardened, tamper-resistant shell, it can securely manage, process, and store cryptographic keys.

What level of security does an HSM provide?

Hardware Security Modules are devices that provide both logical and physical protection for items, such as cryptographic keys, from unauthorized access and potential adversaries. The majority of HSM devices are usually FIPS and Common Criteria certified. As a result, they comply with security criteria.

What are the use cases for an HSM?

HSM devices can be used to hold digital security keys, conduct EFT (Electronic Fund Transfer) transactions, serve as timestamp servers, and establish connections, among other things.

Many industries and enterprises have come to rely on HSM devices to deliver speedy, safe, and secure data transactions and verification due to their widespread use. Whatever the application scenario, each HSM device must have the following critical features:

It is built with specialist hardware that has been thoroughly tested and verified.
It runs on a secure operating system.
Has access to a network interface that is subject to rigorous internal controls.
Stores and protects cryptographic data in a proactive manner.

HSMs have a stable operating system with a strong security focus. An HSM is required for many sectors to ensure security and compliance, as well as to establish and maintain solid key management practices for your data, thanks to strictly limited access and specialized hardware.

Although HSMs might be costly, they are frequently well worth the price. What are some important advantages of HSM security?

Benefits of using an HSM:

Using an HSM to protect your data has numerous advantages.

Provides the highest level of security. HSMs offer one of the highest degrees of protection from outside threats. It’s completely safe to use and aids in the prevention of malicious hacking.
Take consumer information very seriously. Show customers that you care about their privacy by going above and beyond to protect their data, particularly their payment details.
HSM is available as a service. Some IT providers offer HSM as a service, which makes this technology more accessible and inexpensive for some firms who can’t afford to invest in an HSM but need to get PCI DSS certification.
Keep your key in one place. Rather than keeping a key in software, where it may wind up nearly anywhere, the HSM stores the key on its own, making it easier to manage and secure. The key is not allowed to exit the device.
Enjoy tamper-resistant security. Depending on their individual capabilities, some HSMs are tamper obvious, while others are tamper-resistant, giving a level of security that is difficult to attain with software alone.
HSMs also allow businesses that handle payment card data to remain in compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). An HSM can help any firm that needs to encrypt and protect sensitive data, such as those in the healthcare, energy, or payment industries.
HSMs are specifically designed to generate, store, and safeguard keys throughout their lives, and they are extremely efficient at this task. You may even automate key management activities to maintain compliance and reduce your efforts while managing cryptographic keys.
HSM enables even huge enterprises to ease key management, even when many HSMs are used. In fact, for most businesses, automation is typically the greatest solution to essential lifecycle management, especially when it comes to maintaining compliance with industry standards.

About Us:

JISA Softech is a cryptography-focused information technology company based in India. We offer cryptographic solutions to financial institutions, manufacturers, enterprises and government agencies. Our primary product lines have included industry-compliant Hardware Security Modules, Key Management Solutions, Tokenisation, Encryption, Aadhaar Data Vault, and Authentication solutions. All our Cryptographic solutions are sold under the brand name CryptoBind. Our innovative solutions have been adopted by businesses across the country to handle mission-critical data security and data protection needs.

To know more about our solution contact us:

Website: www.jisasoftech.com

Email: sales@jisasoftech.com

Phone: +91-9619222553