Hardware Security Modules (HSMs)

What is a Hardware Security Module?

A hardware security module (HSM) is a dedicated crypto processor that is specifically designed for the protection of the crypto key lifecycle. Hardware security modules 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.

Why Use Hardware Security Modules?

Enterprises buy hardware security modules to protect transactions, identities, and applications, as HSMs excel at securing cryptographic keys and provisioning encryption, decryption, authentication, and digital signing services for a wide range of applications.

What Makes Thales the Best HSM Vendor?

Thales Hardware Security Modules provide the highest level of security by always storing cryptographic keys in hardware. Thales HSMs provide a secure crypto foundation as the keys never leave the intrusion-resistant, tamper-evident, FIPS-validated appliance. Since all cryptographic operations occur within the HSM, strong access controls prevent unauthorized users from accessing sensitive cryptographic material. Additionally, Thales also implements operations that make the deployment of secure HSMs as easy as possible, and our HSMs are integrated with Thales Crypto Command Center for quick and easy crypto resource partitioning, reporting and monitoring.

Thales HSMs adhere to rigorous design requirements and must pass through stringent product verification testing, followed by real-world application testing to verify the security and integrity of every device.

Thales HSMs are cloud agnostic, and are the HSM of choice for Microsoft, AWS and IBM, providing a “rentable” hardware security module (HSM) service that dedicates a single-tenant appliance located in the cloud for customer cryptographic storage and processing needs.

With Thales Hardware Security Modules, You Can:

- Address compliance requirements with solutions for Blockchain, GDPR, IoT, 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.

- Keys are generated, and always stored in the intrusion-resistant, tamper-evident, FIPS-validated appliance, providing the strongest levels of access controls.

- Create partitions with a dedicated Security Office per partition, and segment through admin key separation.