--- description: Learn the benefits of using an HSM and the dangers of not knowing where your crypto keys are stored. image: https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2024-05/og-brand-img-1200x627.jpg --- * [ ![pointer hand icon](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2025-07/pointer-hand-icon-white-solid.png) Explore Demos and Trials ](https://www.entrust.com/resources/demos-trials) * [ ![play icon](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2025-06/play-circle-icon-white-solid.png) Watch Webinars ](https://www.entrust.com/resources/webinars) * [ ![white shield with lock icon](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2025-06/shield-lock-icon-white-solid.png) The Identity Thread ](https://www.entrust.com/resources/identity-thread) × # Why You Should Use an HSM ## Cryptography protects your data. HSMs protect your cryptography. [Download Whitepaper](#form) [ Watch Webinar](#webinar) ![nShield HSM stamp of approval graphic](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2025-02/hsm-stamp-1k-graphic-rgb.svg) × ## More important than the keys: where they're kept. The cryptographic keys that are used for encryption, decryption, and digital signing are some of your company’s most precious assets. The value of any key is equivalent to the value of all the data it protects, and the access and transactions it enables. If a key is compromised, it’s game over! Software-based encryption keys can be easily found by attackers trying to hack your systems. A single stolen or misallocated key could lead to a data breach. The proven answer to securing the cryptographic keys and processes that protect your data to keep them in a hardware security module (HSM). × ## Over 150 Entrust nShield HSM Partner Integrations Entrust nShield HSMs provide high-assurance security for a broad range of common use cases. With more than 150 alliance partners and validated partner integrations available, our hardware security modules are uniquely built to mitigate risk and secure your critical business applications across multiple use cases. ![Partner Wheel](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2025-05/nshield-integration-wheel-2025-1x-v2.jpg) ### [ADCs, Firewalls, TLS/SSL Inspection](#) ### [Cloud, Containers](#) ### [Digital Signing, Code Signing](#) ### [Encryption, Tokenization, Database Security](#) ### [Key Management](#) ### [Identity, User Authentication](#) ### [Payment Security](#) ### [PKI, IOT, Certificate Management](#) ### [Privileged Access and Secrets Management](#) × #### Featured ADCs, Firewalls, TLS/SSL Inspection Partners [ ![F5 Logo](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/partner-wheel-f5-logo.png) ](https://www.entrust.com/partners/directory/f5) [ ![Palo Alto Networks Logo](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/partner-wheel-palo-alto-logo.png) ](https://www.entrust.com/partners/directory/palo-alto-networks) [ ![Skyhigh Security](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/partners/company%20logos/skyhigh-security-logo.png) ](https://www.entrust.com/partners/directory/skyhigh-security) × #### Featured Cloud, Containers Partners [ ![Amazon Web Services](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/partner-wheel-aws-logo.png) ](https://www.entrust.com/partners/directory/aws) [ ![Google Cloud Logo](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/partner-wheel-google-cloud-logo.png) ](https://www.entrust.com/products/hsm/software-option-packs) [ ![Microsoft Logo](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/partner-wheel-microsoft-logo.png) ](https://www.entrust.com/partners/directory/microsoft) [ ![Mirantis Logo](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/partner-wheel-mirantis-logo.png) ](https://www.entrust.com/partners/directory/mirantis) [ ![Red Hat Logo](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/partner-wheel-red-hat-logo.png) ](https://www.entrust.com/partners/directory/red-hat) [ ![VMware](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/partner-wheel-vmware-logo.png) ](https://www.entrust.com/partners/directory/vmware) × #### Featured Digital Signing, Code Signing Partners ![3key Company Logo](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/partner-wheel-3key-logo.png) [ ![Ascertia Logo](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/partner-wheel-ascertia-logo.png) ](https://www.entrust.com/partners/directory/ascertia) [ ![Intesi Group Logo](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/partner-wheel-intesi-group-logo.png) ](https://www.entrust.com/partners/directory/intesi-group) [ ![Microsoft Logo](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/partner-wheel-microsoft-logo.png) ](https://www.entrust.com/partners/directory/microsoft) × #### Featured Encryption, Database Security, Tokenization Partners [ ![Bloombase](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/partner-wheel-bloombase-logo.png) ](https://www.entrust.com/partners/directory/bloombase) [ ![IBM Logo](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/partner-wheel-ibm-logo.png) ](https://www.entrust.com/partners/directory/ibm) [ ![Microsoft Logo](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/partner-wheel-microsoft-logo.png) ](https://www.entrust.com/partners/directory/microsoft) [ ![Oracle Logo](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/partner-wheel-oracle-logo.png) ](https://www.entrust.com/partners/directory/oracle-partner-network) [ ![Prime Factors Logo](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/partner-wheel-prime-factors-logo.png) ](https://www.entrust.com/partners/directory/prime-factors-tech) [ ![VeriSec International Logo](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/partner-wheel-verisec-logo.png) ](https://www.entrust.com/partners/directory/verisec-tech) × #### Featured Key Management Partners [ ![Cryptomathic Logo](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/partner-wheel-cryptomathic-logo.png) ](https://www.entrust.com/partners/directory/cryptomathic) [ ![Fornetix Logo](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/partner-wheel-fornetix-logo.png) ](https://www.entrust.com/partners/directory/fornetix) [ ![IBM Logo](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/partner-wheel-ibm-logo.png) ](https://www.entrust.com/partners/directory/ibm) [ ![Oracle Logo](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/partner-wheel-oracle-logo.png) ](https://www.entrust.com/partners/directory/oracle-partner-network) × #### Featured Identity, User Authentication Partners [ ![HID Global Logo](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/partner-wheel-hid-logo.png) ](https://www.entrust.com/partners/directory/hid-global) [ ![IBM Logo](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/partner-wheel-ibm-logo.png) ](https://www.entrust.com/partners/directory/ibm) [ ![Microsoft Logo](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/partner-wheel-microsoft-logo.png) ](https://www.entrust.com/partners/directory/microsoft) [ ![OneSpan Logo](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/partners/company%20logos/updated/onespan.jpg) ](https://www.entrust.com/partners/directory/onespan) [ ![Omnissa Logo](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2024-11/omnissa-logo.png) ](https://www.entrust.com/partners/directory/omnissa) × #### Featured Payment Security Partners [ ![ACI Worldwide Logo](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/partner-wheel-universal-payments-logo.png) ](https://www.entrust.com/partners/directory/aci-worldwide) [ ![Cryptomathic Logo](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/partner-wheel-cryptomathic-logo.png) ](https://www.entrust.com/partners/directory/cryptomathic) [ ![Salt Group Logo](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/partner-wheel-salt-group-logo.png) ](https://www.entrust.com/partners/directory/salt-group) × #### Featured PKI, IOT, Certificate Management Partners [ ![Axway Logo](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/partner-wheel-axway-logo.png) ](https://www.entrust.com/partners/directory/axway) [ ![Device Authority Logo](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/partner-wheel-device-authority-logo.png) ](https://www.entrust.com/partners/directory/device-authority) [ ![EverTrust Logo](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/partner-wheel-evertrust-logo.png) ](https://www.entrust.com/partners/directory/evertrust) [ ![HID Global Logo](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/partner-wheel-hid-logo.png) ](https://www.entrust.com/partners/directory/hid-global) [ ![ISC Logo](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/partner-wheel-isc-logo.png) ](https://www.entrust.com/partners/directory/information-security-corporation-isc) [ ![Microsoft Logo](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/partner-wheel-microsoft-logo.png) ](https://www.entrust.com/partners/directory/microsoft) [ ![Red Hat Logo](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/partner-wheel-red-hat-logo.png) ](https://www.entrust.com/partners/directory/red-hat) × #### Featured Privileged Access and Secrets Management Partners [ ![BeyondTrust Software Inc Logo](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/partner-wheel-beyond-trust-logo.png) ](https://www.entrust.com/partners/directory/beyondtrust-software-inc) [ ![CyberArk Logo](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/partner-wheel-cyber-ark-logo.png) ](https://www.entrust.com/partners/directory/cyberark) [ ![Delinea Logo](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/partner-wheel-delinea-logo.png) ](https://www.entrust.com/partners/directory/delinea) [ ![HashiCorp Logo](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/partner-wheel-hashicorp-logo.png) ](https://www.entrust.com/partners/directory/hashicorp) [ ![Wallix Logo](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2024-03/wallix-partner-logo.png) ](https://www.entrust.com/partners/directory/wallix) × [View Our Partner Locator](https://www.entrust.com/partners/directory) ![Woman using a laptop](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2025-11/hsm-webinar-cryptographic-keys-800x800.jpg) × Webinar ## HSMs: Critical Infrastructure to Establish Trust and Integrity Stay ahead of fraud by using digital transformations to further secure your critical infrastructure. Our on-demand webinar shows you how organizations use Entrust nShield HSMs to: * Deliver scalable cryptographic services for PKI, digital identity, and encryption * Help secure privileged access, connected devices, and both hardware and software supply chains * Simplify regulatory compliance and protect critical infrastructure Watch the webinar to see how HSMs enhance your organization’s trust, security, and customer experience [Watch Now](https://www.entrust.com/resources/webinars?commid=655624&bt%5Ftok=FastPass%5FToken1) ![left quote mark in white icon](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2023-12/qutoe-marks-left-white-icon.png) ## Software security is soft security: Hardware is required. John Pescatore, Gartner × ## HSM Use Cases ![keys icon](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2023-11/keys-icon.svg) [ PKI ](https://www.entrust.com/use-case/credentialing-and-pki-applications) Generate, manage, and secure the keys used to sign your certificates and simplify regulatory compliance. ![faded gray hex background](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2023-12/hover-cards-hover-bg-img.png) ![cloud icon](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2023-12/cloud-icon.svg) [ Cloud ](https://www.entrust.com/use-case/cloud-security) Control encryption keys consistently across multiple clouds while retaining full control. ![faded gray hex background](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2023-12/hover-cards-hover-bg-img.png) ![drone icon](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/iot-drone2-icon.svg) [ IoT ](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/documentation/solution-briefs/iot-root-of-trust-entrust-hsm-sb.pdf) Establish unique identities to enable authentication and prevent counterfeiting of devices and applications. ![faded gray hex background](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2023-12/hover-cards-hover-bg-img.png) ![HSM nShield as a service icon](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2023-11/hsm-nshieldaas-icon.svg) [ Blockchain ](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files//documentation/solution-briefs/securing-blockchain-entrust-hsm-sb.pdf) Protect the signing keys and consensus logic. ![faded gray hex background](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2023-12/hover-cards-hover-bg-img.png) ![signature icon](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2023-12/signature-icon.svg) [ Code Signing ](https://www.entrust.com/use-case/code-signing) Safeguard the keys used to digitally sign software, ensure its authenticity, and protect its integrity. ![faded gray hex background](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2023-12/hover-cards-hover-bg-img.png) ## The Benefits of Using an HSM ![starburst icon](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/certificate2-icon.svg) ### Regulatory compliance HSMs can help enable you to meet widely recognized government and industry mandates for financial, healthcare, and other sensitive data, such as FIPS, Common Criteria, GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS. ![keys icon](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2023-11/keys-icon.svg) ### Secure, policy-controlled access Role-based access control features allow you to apply policies for individual key containers, such as requiring a quorum of administrators to provide a smart card and PIN to unlock the key stored in the HSM. ![settings icon](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2023-12/settings-icon.svg) ### Greater control Use your own nShield HSMs in your own environment to create and securely export your keys to the cloud. ![shield icon with four quadrants of purple and gray](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/2023-11/four-quadrant-shield-icon.svg) ### Stronger security Stronger key generation using nShield’s high-entropy random number generator protected by FIPS-certified hardware. × ## Related Resources Brochure ### [ nShield HSMs ](https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/documentation/brochures/entrust-nshield-family-br.pdf) --- Web Page ### [ Security World Architecture ](https://www.entrust.com/products/hsm/security-world) --- Blog ### [ Are encryption keys more important than your data? ](https://www.entrust.com/blog/2020/05/are-encryption-keys-more-important-than-your-data) --- Blog ### [ What is an HSM and how does it protect data? ](https://www.entrust.com/blog/2022/09/what-is-an-hsm-and-how-does-it-protect-data-2) --- Download Now Learn more about managing your keys with certified HSMs by downloading our white paper, 'HSMs: A Critical Component of an Enterprise's Cybersecurity Strategy'. 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