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Hardware security module
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<p>A hardware security module (HSM) is a physical computing device that safeguards and manages secrets (most importantly <a href="/facts/Digital_keys/tY7e2pnW">digital keys</a>), and performs <a href="/facts/Encryption/16q29Fdv">encryption</a> and decryption functions for <a href="/facts/Digital_signature/tY7e2pnW">digital signatures</a>, <a href="/facts/Strong_authentication/BaFWcmzs">strong authentication</a> and other cryptographic functions. These modules traditionally come in the form of a plug-in card or an external device that attaches directly to a <a href="/facts/Computer/SQe1aK05">computer</a> or <a href="/facts/Server_(computing)/dEaYFD7r">network server</a>. A hardware security module contains one or more <a href="/facts/Secure_cryptoprocessor/w7XXBlfg">secure cryptoprocessor</a> <a href="/facts/Integrated_circuit/fjn6vg7C">chips</a>. </p>