Glossary term · H
HSM (Hardware Security Module)
Definition
An HSM (Hardware Security Module) is a dedicated physical device for the secure generation, storage and management of cryptographic keys. Certified to strict standards (FIPS 140-2/3 level 3 or 4, Common Criteria EAL4+), it guarantees that keys never leave the hardware in plain text. Qualified providers operate HSMs for the management of qualified signature and time-stamping keys. Cloud signatures rely on HSMs hosted by the provider.
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