Hardware Security Module (HSM)

Abstract

Processing circuitry is integrated within a hardware security module (HSM) chip card. The processing circuitry is configured to operate in accordance with a set of program instructions stored in a memory integrated within the HSM chip card. The set of program instructions includes program instructions for implementing a public-key cryptography standard (PKCS). The PKCS includes processes for generating and storing a master key. The master key is to be stored in the memory integrated within the HSM chip card. Also, using the master key stored in the memory of the HSM chip card, the HSM chip card enables direct management control of standard chip cards.