Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional Practice Exam 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

The purpose of a Hardware Security Module (HSM) is to store and manage encryption keys safely. HSMs are dedicated hardware devices designed specifically to handle cryptographic operations and provide a highly secure environment for key management. This includes generating, storing, and protecting digital keys used in encryption and decryption processes. By utilizing an HSM, organizations can greatly reduce the risk of exposing sensitive cryptographic keys to potential threats or unauthorized access, as the modules provide robust physical and logical security measures.

In addition to securely managing keys, HSMs often perform cryptographic functions such as signing, encryption, and decryption operations, which help ensure the integrity and confidentiality of data. Overall, having an HSM in place enhances an organization's security posture regarding key handling and cryptographic processes.