Hardware Security Modules: The Ultimate Black Boxes - Challenges and Future Directions

Explore the world of Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) in this 22-minute conference talk from USENIX Enigma 2019. Delve into the unique position HSMs occupy in computer security, managing critical secrets while maintaining closed designs with inherent opacity and tamper-response requirements. Examine the evolution of HSM adoption, from being the sole method for fast cryptography to their current role in protecting high-value secrets remotely. Discover the challenges posed by outdated designs and certification procedures that hinder effective use of this technology. Learn about the issues surrounding premises and cloud-based HSMs, and gain insights into potential workarounds and innovative approaches for developing new products tailored to modern needs. Presented by Ryan Lackey from Tezos, this talk offers valuable perspectives on the future of hardware security in an ever-evolving technological landscape.