Struggling to choose between AWS CloudHSM and AWS KMS for cryptographic key management? Learn why AWS CloudHSM is the best single-tenant solution to meet stringent regulatory compliance requirements.
Question
A security engineer wants a single-tenant AWS solution to create, control, and manage their own cryptographic keys to meet data security regulatory requirements. Which AWS service should the engineer use?
A. AWS Key Management Service (AWS KMS)
B. AWS Certificate Manager (ACM)
C. AWS CloudHSM
D. AWS Systems Manager
Answer
C. AWS CloudHSM
Explanation
The AWS service that the engineer should use is AWS CloudHSM. AWS CloudHSM provides dedicated hardware security modules (HSMs) that enable customers to create, control, and manage their own cryptographic keys in the AWS cloud.
AWS CloudHSM is the correct choice for a security engineer seeking a single-tenant solution to create, control, and manage cryptographic keys while meeting strict regulatory requirements. Here’s why:
Key Features of AWS CloudHSM
Single-Tenant Environment
- Unlike AWS Key Management Service (KMS), which operates in a multi-tenant environment, AWS CloudHSM provides dedicated hardware security modules (HSMs) for each customer. This ensures complete isolation and control over cryptographic operations.
Full Control Over Keys
- Customers generate, store, and manage their own cryptographic keys within the HSM.
- AWS has no access to plaintext keys, ensuring enhanced privacy and security.
Regulatory Compliance
- AWS CloudHSM is FIPS 140-2 Level 3 validated, making it suitable for industries with stringent compliance needs like finance, healthcare, and government2.
- It supports compliance with PCI DSS, PCI PIN, and other regulatory standards.
High Security
- Cryptographic operations are performed within tamper-resistant HSMs.
- Keys never leave the HSM in plaintext form, ensuring robust protection against unauthorized access.
Integration with AWS Services
- While AWS CloudHSM is more complex to manage than KMS, it integrates with various AWS services for tasks like database encryption (e.g., Oracle Transparent Data Encryption) and SSL/TLS acceleration.
Why Not the Other Options?
A. AWS Key Management Service (AWS KMS): Operates in a multi-tenant environment. While it offers robust security features and easier integration with AWS services, customers do not have full control over key management or storage. This makes it unsuitable for scenarios requiring strict regulatory compliance or single-tenancy.
B. AWS Certificate Manager (ACM): ACM is used for managing SSL/TLS certificates but does not provide cryptographic key management capabilities.
D. AWS Systems Manager: Systems Manager focuses on operational management tasks like automation and configuration but does not handle cryptographic key management.
AWS CloudHSM is the ideal service when high levels of isolation, control, and compliance are required for managing cryptographic keys in a single-tenant environment. It ensures that sensitive data remains secure while meeting regulatory standards.
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