What is Hardware Security Module?

A Hardware Security Module (HSM) is a dedicated hardware device used to securely manage, process, and store cryptographic keys. HSMs provide a secure environment for cryptographic operations, protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access and tampering. They are commonly used in applications requiring strong security, such as banking, PKI (Public Key Infrastructure), digital signatures, and database encryption. They are often used to manage encryption keys and perform encryption/decryption operations within the module, so the keys themselves are never exposed in the clear outside the secure boundary of the HSM.