Software vs HSM protected keys in Azure Key Vault (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between software-protected keys and HSM-protected keys? ›

Software-protected keys leverage the security features provided by the cloud service itself. HSM-protected Keys: HSM-protected keys are processed within a dedicated Hardware Security Module (HSM). HSMs provide a highly secure and tamper-resistant environment for key operations.

For added assurance when you use Azure Key Vault, you can import or generate a key in a hardware security module (HSM); the key will never leave the HSM boundary. This scenario often is referred to as bring your own key (BYOK). Key Vault uses FIPS 140 validated HSMs to protect your keys.

Azure Key Vault provides two types of resources to store and manage cryptographic keys. Vaults support software-protected and HSM-protected (Hardware Security Module) keys. Managed HSMs only support HSM-protected keys.

Both types of key have the key stored in the HSM at rest. The difference is for a software-protected key when cryptographic operations are performed they are performed in software in compute VMs while for HSM-protected keys the cryptographic operations are performed within the HSM.

Hardware-based solutions like HSMs perform better than software-only solutions. They contain dedicated cryptographic processors that can execute complex encryption operations without draining your CPU's resources.

A Hardware Security Module (HSM) manages the lifecycle of the encryption keys, including key generation, storage, and destruction. The device is designed to be tamper-resistant, making it difficult for unauthorized parties to access the encryption keys stored inside.

Because the SKS objects are stored outside the HSM and individually inserted back into the HSM partition for use, there is no capacity limitation.

With Azure Dedicated HSM, you manage who in your organization can access your HSMs and the scope and assignment of their roles. You have full administrative and cryptographic control over your HSMs. Microsoft has no access to or visibility into the keys stored in them.

Key Vault service supports two types of containers: vaults and managed hardware security module(HSM) pools. Vaults support storing software and HSM-backed keys, secrets, and certificates. Managed HSM pools only support HSM-backed keys. See Azure Key Vault REST API overview for complete details.

A key management system is employed to provide efficient management of the entire lifecycle of cryptographic keys in accordance with particular compliance standards, whereas an HSM serves as the core component for the secure generation, protection, and usage of the keys.

What is the difference between keys and secrets in Azure key vault? ›

A secret is anything that you want to tightly control access to, such as API keys, passwords, or certificates. A key is a cryptographic key represented as a JSON Web Key [JWK] object. Key Vault supports RSA and Elliptic Curve Keys only. 2 people found this answer helpful.

Azure Key Vault Managed HSM (Hardware Security Module) is a fully managed, highly available, single-tenant, standards-compliant cloud service that enables you to safeguard cryptographic keys for your cloud applications, using FIPS 140-2 Level 3 validated HSMs.

The Azure Key Vault resource provider supports two resource types: vaults and managed HSMs. This table shows the DNS suffix used by the data-plane endpoint for vaults and managed HSM pools in various cloud environments.

Protected key systems play a critical role in our daily lives as they help us secure and lock essential items such as buildings, assets, people, documents, records, and cash.

What Is A Hardware Security Module (HSM)? × Hardware security modules (HSMs) are hardened, tamper-resistant hardware devices that secure cryptographic processes by generating, protecting, and managing keys used for encrypting and decrypting data and creating digital signatures and certificates.

3 Types of Network Security Keys

The most well-known and widely used types of network security keys are WEP, WPA, and WPA2: WEP is the oldest and considered outdated. WPA is a newer key with some issues. WPA2 is the newest and built to prevent the main WPA and WEP problems.

Difference Between HSM vs.

HSMs are different from trusted platform modules (TPMs) even though both are physical devices and involve data encryption. An HSM is a removable unit that runs on its own, while a TPM is a chip on your motherboard that can encrypt an entire laptop or desktop disk.