Hardware Security Module (HSM) Solutions
Most organizations invest in encryption – but overlook protecting the cryptographic keys behind it.
Entrust nShield Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) move keys out of software and into tamper-resistant hardware designed to protect your most sensitive data.
Our FIPS 140-2 & 140-3 certified modules enable organizations to:
Generate and protect cryptographic keys inside secure hardware
Safeguard root and certificate authority (CA) keys for PKIs
Support emerging cryptographic requirements, including post-quantum readiness
Trusted by the World’s Most Security-Conscious Organizations
Over 100,000 HSMs deployed globally across government, financial, and technology organizations
Integrated with more than 150 partner applications and platforms
Delivering trusted key protection for 30 years
Unlimited Scalability
Entrust’s Security World architecture enables unlimited key storage without traditional HSM complexity. Manage all nShield HSMs as a unified estate with consistent policies. Easily scale by adding HSMs to increase performance, load balancing, failover, and cryptographic capacity without disruption.
Upgradable Optimized Performance
Entrust nShield HSMs help you meet rising performance demands without costly hardware refresh. nShield 5 delivers up to 40% faster throughput, while in-field performance upgrades let you scale cryptography throughput on demand – maintaining security, reducing downtime, and protecting long-term investment.
Future-Proof HSMs
Unlike fixed-function HSMs, nShield 5 delivers true crypto‑agility with a programmable FPGA and in‑field updates. Rapidly adopt hardware-accelerated PQC without hardware refresh – reducing cost, minimizing disruption, and staying ahead of evolving threats.
Flexible Deployment
Entrust Security World lets you align HSM operations to your environment and risk model. Manage keys with automated or multi‑user controls, and deploy on‑premises, in the cloud, or hybrid – applying consistent policies to support both high‑volume and high‑assurance use cases.
Backups Made Easy
Entrust Security World eliminates complex HSM backup processes. Unlike alternatives requiring manual cloning, it enables automated backup of HSM data using standard file systems. Securely manage keys at the application layer – reducing complexity, lowering operational overhead, and simplifying recovery.
Protect sensitive code
Optional CodeSafe SDK runs security‑sensitive code inside the nShield HSM without modifying FIPS‑certified firmware – unlike alternatives. Protect your most critical business logic within a trusted, tamper‑resistant boundary.
Our Portfolio
Explore our HSM portfolio
The biggest challenge to reducing the quantum threat and migration to post‑quantum cryptography continues to be the inability to improve the discovery and inventory of cryptographic assets.
- 2026 Global State of Post-Quantum and Cryptographic Security Trends
Explore Our nShield HSM Portfolio
Our full suite of HSMs deliver high-performance cryptographic services across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments. Built on Entrust’s Security World architecture, nShield HSMs enable scalable key management, seamless integration, and readiness for evolving cryptographic requirements.
Centralized HSM Management & Control
nShield HSMs provide a root of trust for protecting high-value cryptographic keys. With the Cryptographic Security Platform HSM Manager, organizations gain centralized control, configuration, and monitoring of distributed HSM estates across on‑premises and cloud environments.
This enables operational visibility, improves uptime, and simplifies management of complex HSM deployments at scale.
Enterprise‑Wide Cryptographic Asset Governance
Built on the nShield HSM root of trust, Entrust’s Cryptographic Security Platform extends visibility and lifecycle management across cryptographic assets – including keys, certificates, and secrets.
By centralizing governance and policy enforcement, organizations can strengthen protection of critical keys, ensure compliance, and streamline operations across hybrid and multi‑cloud environments.
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.
We have a long history together and we’re extremely comfortable continuing to rely on Entrust solutions for the core of our business. We have used Entrust HSMs for five years and they have always been exceptionally reliable. We’ve layered a lot of code on top of the HSM; it delivers the performance we need and has proven to be a rock-solid foundation.
As a global payment solutions and commerce enablement leader, Verifone’s strategy is to develop and deploy “best in class” payment solutions and services that meet or exceed global security standards and help our clients securely accept electronic payments across all channels of commerce. We selected Entrust HSMs to provide robust security, unmatched performance, and superior scalability across our payment security platforms…
The Entrust nShield sales team provided excellent local and remote support during this evaluation period and was invaluable to the process. The excellent depth, breadth, and quality of the product documentation gave us confidence that the solution was well thought-out and supported.
Entrust provided the expertise needed to design and implement a tailored, secure VoIP solution.
Additional Resources
Buyer’s Guide for Hardware Security Modules
Make confident HSM purchasing decisions with this comprehensive guide. Discover deployment options, key features, and critical considerations to select the right FIPS-certified solution for your organization’s security and compliance requirements.
Hardware Security Module Requirements for the Post-Quantum Era
In this report, Forrester examines key use cases, integration points, and established and new requirements for HSMs.
2026 Global State of Post-Quantum and Cryptographic Security Trends
Get the latest trends in post-quantum security, PKI, and HSMs to learn how your enterprise can eliminate operational overload while preparing for quantum computing.
Why You Need HSMs
Discover scalable, future-proof HSMs with unlimited key storage capacity.
Cryptography For Dummies
Build crypto-agility and post-quantum readiness with expert guidance.
HSMs are the Key to Quantum-Safe Security
Learn how hardware security modules deliver quantum-resistant protection for your cryptographic keys and prepare your organization for post-quantum threats.
nShield General Purpose Hardware Security Modules
Comprehensive FIPS-certified HSM solutions for enterprise cryptographic security.
What is a Hardware Security Module (HSM)?
Discover HSM fundamentals, certifications, and real-world security use cases.
Entrust Cryptographic Center of Excellence
Get support from cryptographic experts on governance, health checks, and more.
HSM Software Option Packs
Integrate nShield HSMs into your preferred environment with our software.
Entrust Cryptographic Security Platform
End-to-end cryptographic security management for machine identities and data security
Entrust CSP for Key and Secrets Management
Discover decentralized security with centralized visibility.
ZF Friedrichshafen AG Secures Wireless Manufacturing with Entrust nShield HSMs
Read the case study to see how a leading manufacturer uses Entrust nShield® HSMs to protect mission-critical processes and meet regulatory requirements.
Entrust and Microsec Accelerate the Autobahn’s Secure Smart Highway Project
Learn how Germany's highway operator, the Autobahn GmbH, decided to create a fully digital, connected, and automated traffic system built on the Cooperative Intelligent Transport System (C-ITS).
FAQs
What is a hardware security module and what does it do?
A hardware security module (HSM) is a tamper-resistant physical device that protects digital keys and performs cryptographic operations like encryption, decryption, and digital signing. It’s a trusted anchor for securing sensitive data and transactions.
What does HSM mean?
HSM stands for hardware security module—trusted devices that ensure your most sensitive cryptographic keys and processes are secure and compliant.
What’s the difference between HSM and TPM?
An HSM is a dedicated security device designed to protect and manage cryptographic keys for enterprise, cloud, and high-assurance use cases. A TPM (Trusted Platform Module) is typically embedded in an endpoint or server and is used for device-level security functions such as secure boot and platform integrity.
How are HSMs typically used?
HSMs are commonly used to secure encryption keys for applications such as public key infrastructure (PKI), digital signing, database encryption, payment processing, and privileged access management. They are deployed in on-premises, cloud, hybrid, and edge environments.
Why are HSMs needed?
HSMs are needed to protect cryptographic keys from theft, misuse, and tampering. By isolating keys in hardened hardware, HSMs help organizations reduce risk, meet regulatory requirements, and maintain trust in their digital systems.
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