The security products company, nCipher, has released nShield for PCI Express, a multi-platform HSM (hardware security module) for PCI Express. By extending PCI Express support within the HSM portfolio, nCipher enables customers to incorporate hardware-based cryptographic protection within next generation server platforms, maximising performance while satisfying security practices. There are two versions of HSMs namely, the nShield 6000e and the nShield 500e. The nShield 6000e is suitable for processing 2048 bit and 4096 bit keys, and the nShield 500e is suitable for applications with less demanding performance. The HSMs for PCI Express are designed to maximise performance when using longer key lengths to increase overall security. The HSMs have long been accepted as an industry best practice for protecting encryption keys because they overcome the inherent security weaknesses of managing and using keys in software. Businesses are widely adopting servers with PCI Express slots to capitalise on the performance advantages offered by the new interface and to reduce rack space in the datacenter. The nShield for PCI Express and the existing nShield product family enable customers to utilise consistent tamper-resistant security practices irrespective of the server platforms they choose to deploy. The nShield for PCI Express also minimises the performance penalties that have traditionally accompanied the use of longer keys. The HSM, nCipher nShield for PCI Express complies with FIPS 140-2 Level 3 and is available in both compact low-profile and full-height variants.
