The need for robust protection has never been more significant in the rapidly evolving digital landscape, where data integrity and privacy threats are rampant. So, if you’ve been wondering how established organizations keep their confidential data safe, we created this guide just for you.
This guide demystifies the concept of Hardware Security Models (HSMs). It specifically discusses their role in protecting sensitive information and how they work, among other basics. Keep reading.
What is a Hardware Security Module (HSM)?
A Hardware Security Module (HSM) is a special type of hardware device for protecting sensitive information. It is designed to achieve this by keeping its encryption keys secure.
When you encrypt data, you will need encryption keys to make it unreadable to unauthorized individuals. HSMs are like strongboxes for these encryption keys.
They ensure that these keys are sufficiently shielded from any potential threats. Think of it as having a valuable secret you don’t want anyone to see.
You’d put this secret in a secure box with a combination lock. The box here is your HSM.
The combination lock is like the encryption key. The HSM keeps the key safe and hidden away so that only authorized users can access it.
HSMs allow authorized users in organizations, like employees, to use the encryption keys without directly seeing or accessing them. They accept inputs and provide outputs without revealing the actual encryption keys used. One of the use of HSM is keeping private key of Code Signing certificate secretly. Code Sign cert allows developers/publishers to sign their software/app with a digital signature.
They create a secure environment where cryptographic functions can be performed without exposing the keys to potential attacks. This way, organizations can sufficiently keep sensitive data secure by ensuring the keys are protected within the HSM’s secure environment.
Types of Hardware Security Modules (HSMs)
Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) exist in two main types; the General Purpose HSMs and Payment HSMs.
1. General Purpose HSMs
General purpose HSMs are widely used by different types of organizations to enhance their overall cybersecurity. These devices are designed to provide cryptographic services and facilitate communication with applications through vendor-neutral APIs (Application Programming Interfaces).
The APIs used are based on public key cryptography standards called PKCS#11, which allow applications and HSMs to interact and perform cryptographic operations. To ensure security and trustworthiness, general-purpose HSMs need to meet specific validation and compliance requirements, such as:
- FIPS 140-2 validation: This validation is essential for U.S. federal agencies, requiring devices to meet specific security standards, ideally at level 3 or higher.
- Common Criteria (CC): The Common Criteria are widely recognized standards for IT security products worldwide.
- eIDAS Protection Profile EN 419 221-5: These regulations are based on Common Criteria and are mandatory for many European Union government entities.
- HIPAA Security Rule: Although not explicitly mentioned, HSMs are a secure way to protect the private keys needed for encryption and decryption processes, which are part of the Technical Safeguards mentioned in the HIPAA Security Rule. HSM is also used in SSL certificate like digitally signed Code Signing certificate where a private key is stored in HSM to keep it away from cyber culprit.
2. Payment HSMs
As the name suggests, payment HSMs are specialized HSMs that cater specifically to the payment industry. They focus on storing and protecting keys and data related to financial applications and transactions, including storing customer PINs.
Payment HSMs have different requirements and certifications compared to general-purpose HSMs due to the unique needs of the payment industry. Some of the specific standards and certifications that payment HSMs must adhere to include the following:
- Payment Card Industry PTS Hardware Security Module (PCI PTS HSM) Modular Security Requirements.
- FIPS 140-2 validation: Similar to general-purpose HSMs, payment HSMs should ideally meet level 3 or higher requirements.
- Regional security requirements: These may vary depending on the specific region and the payment card industry’s specific security requirements.
General-purpose HSMs are used across various industries. Payment HSMs focus specifically on the banking and financial sector.
General-purpose HSMs come in different formats, like dedicated physical hardware devices, appliances, or cloud-based access to virtual functionalities. Payment HSMs are primarily dedicated to physical hardware devices or appliances.
Each type has its own set of compliance requirements and supports different API specifications. General-purpose HSMs use standardized APIs like PKCS#11, and payment HSMs use non-standardized APIs.
How do Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) work?
HSMs are crucial when it comes to maintaining security of cryptographic systems. Their primary function here is managing the lifecycle of cryptographic keys. They ensure that these keys are generated, stored, and used in a secure manner. Here are the key steps involved in how HSMs work:
- Provisioning: HSMs create cryptographic keys using a true random number generator. This ensures that the keys are truly random and secure.
- Backup and Storage: To safeguard against key compromise or loss, copies of the keys are securely stored. They can be stored within the HSM itself or on external storage media. Private keys are encrypted before storage to provide an extra layer of protection.
- Deployment: The keys are installed within cryptographic devices like HSMs, which are specifically designed to handle encryption and decryption processes securely.
- Management: HSMs control and monitor the keys according to industry standards and an organization’s internal policies. Key rotation is performed to replace old keys with new ones as they expire.
- Archiving: When cryptographic keys are no longer needed, they are put into offline, long-term storage. This allows access to encrypted data with those keys if necessary.
- Disposal: When it is determined that keys are no longer required, they should be securely and permanently destroyed to prevent any potential misuse.
Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) Features
When it comes to safeguarding sensitive data, Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) boast a variety of essential features that contribute to their exceptional security. These include:
- Secure Design: HSMs are built using specialized hardware that meets stringent government standards like Federal Information Processing Standardization (FIPS) 140-2, Common Criteria, as well the Payment Card Industry (PCI) HSM requirements. This ensures they are designed with security in mind from the ground up.
- Tamper Resistance: HSMs undergo a hardening process that makes them highly resistant to both deliberate tampering and accidental damage. This means that any attempt to interfere with the module would be detected, and the HSM may even become inoperable or delete cryptographic keys to prevent unauthorized access.
- Secure Operating System: HSMs utilize a security-focused operating system, which provides an additional layer of protection. This specialized software is designed to prioritize security measures, ensuring the module is resistant to cyber threats.
- Isolation: HSMs are physically located in secure areas within data centers to prevent unauthorized access. Some organizations even choose to store their HSMs in third-party data centers, opting for an extra level of protection rather than keeping them on-site.
- Access Controls: HSMs tightly control access to both the devices themselves and the data they protect. They are designed to exhibit signs of tampering, which immediately raise the alarm. In some cases, if tampering is detected, the HSM may become non-functional or delete cryptographic keys as a protective measure.
- APIs: HSMs support a range of application programming interfaces (APIs) that facilitate seamless integration with other applications. These APIs, such as the Public-Key Cryptography Standard and Cryptography API Next Generation, enable developers to create custom applications while leveraging the secure capabilities of the HSM.
Use of Hardware Security Modules HSMs
Utilizing an HSM becomes essential if a company handles credit or debit card data, intellectual property, customer data, or employee information. These powerful devices are employed in various applications to secure data and provide protection. Here are some of the most important uses of HSMs:
- Protecting Websites: HSMs are utilized to enhance the security of websites. They ensure that sensitive information transmitted between users and the website remains safe from unauthorized access.
- Securing Banking Systems: HSMs play a vital role in the banking sector. Here they are used to protect financial transactions, manage PINs, and generate secure payment card and mobile app credentials.
- Enabling Mobile Payments: HSMs contribute to secure mobile payment services by ensuring that the sensitive payment data transmitted between mobile devices and payment networks remains confidential and tamper-proof.
- Safeguarding Cryptocurrencies: HSMs provide robust security for cryptocurrencies. They protect private keys and ensure the integrity of transactions conducted in digital currencies.
- Securing Smart Meters: HSMs help protect the integrity and confidentiality of data collected by smart meters, which monitor and analyze energy usage. It avoids illegal access or data tampering.
- Enhancing Medical Device Security: In medical devices, HSMs safeguard sensitive patient data. They ensure privacy and prevent unauthorized access to personal health information.
- Protecting Identity Cards and PINs: HSMs play a crucial role in securing identity cards and personal identification numbers (PINs). They help safeguard them from theft or misuse.
In addition to these uses, HSMs serve various purposes within organizations. They facilitate digital signing, key generation, and key management processes.
HSMs also ensure compliance with security standards, simplify audits by providing secure access to cryptographic keys and sensitive data, and help establish secure digital identities.
In the financial sector, specialized HSMs are employed to meet the rigorous security requirements of financial transactions, including PIN management, payment card provisioning, mobile app credential issuance, and verification of PINs and payment cards.
Privacy Compliances for Hardware security Modules (HSMs)
Hardware security modules (HSMs) are subject to privacy compliances to ensure data security. Key compliances include the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), PCI Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC), FIPS 140-2, and Common Criteria.
HSMs must align with the GDPR for handling personal data, meet PCI DSS requirements for secure payment processing, comply with DNSSEC standards for DNS security, adhere to FIPS 140-2 for cryptographic security, and undergo Common Criteria evaluation for overall security assurance. Adhering to these compliances strengthens HSMs’ reliability and effectiveness in safeguarding sensitive information.
Conclusion for Hardware security Modules
Thanks to critical functions like encryption, decryption, and authentication, HSMs empower businesses to maintain control over their cryptographic operations. With HSMs on your side, you can confidently navigate the complex world of cybersecurity and ensure that your most valuable assets remain protected from unauthorized access and potential cyber threats.
Recommended Reading:
