Utimaco Relaunches SecurityServer and CryptoServer SDK 4.20 with Advancements for IIoT and Developers

• Hardware security module SecurityServer: Cryptography based on Edwards curves protects IoT and IIoT
• CryptoServer SDK 4.20: Vendor defined mechanisms allow manufacturers to independently implement additional mechanisms within the standard interface PKCS#11

AACHEN, Germany – 06 October 2017 – Utimaco is announcing two major relaunches of its hardware security module (HSM) technology, SecurityServer and CryptoServer SDK 4.20. The SecurityServer HSM will create cryptographic key material and electronic signatures based on Edwards curves, which are increasingly used in systems with reduced computational and energy expenditure – crucial for the Internet of Things (IoT), the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), the payment industry or autonomous driving. Utimaco is also updating its HSM development environment, CryptoServer SDK 4.20, with new functions. Developers can now extend cryptographic mechanisms to the most frequently used standard interface, PKCS#11, which can be useful e.g. for country-specific cryptographic mechanisms.

SecurityServer: Secure identity for any device with low computing and power consumption

In IoT and IIoT environments, each device and product requires its own identity, which is accomplished with an integrated chip that is equipped with a unique code. For mass market use, this chip must be as small and inexpensive as possible, and work with little computing power and energy. This applies to both consumer goods, from fitness straps to baby phones, and for industrial use such as gas meters, connected cars or traffic lights.

The new Utimaco SecurityServer can meet these requirements because it creates cryptographic key material based on Edwards curves. The algorithm is mathematically complex and safe, and can be created with little computing power. In addition, the Utimaco SecurityServer also ensures the integrity and authenticity of the exchanged data.

“Utimaco’s SecurityServer allows the generated key for Edwards curves to be integrated into small and inexpensive chips. Nevertheless, the identities are safe from theft and manipulation,” says Dieter Bong, Product Manager at Utimaco. “The low energy consumption is a big plus, especially for battery-operated devices such as gas meters or wearable devices.”

CryptoServer SDK: Flexible adaptation to individual security requirements

Each industry must consider different standards and requirements for key exchange and encryption. The standard interface PKCS#11 covers many of these cryptographic mechanisms. If needed for specific key derivation procedures that are only used in individual countries or in individual applications – for example in payment transactions – PKCS#11 requires the implementation according to a given scheme via vendor defined mechanisms. The new CryptoServer SDK 4.20 includes prefabricated modules so that customers or their IT partners can independently implement additional mechanisms within the PKCS#11 interface.

Dieter Bong explains: “By using the supplied basic algorithms, users can now expand the standard interface with additional mechanisms independently of Utimaco.”

Payment-focused users benefit from this innovation because card production or transaction processing in banking is often linked to special cryptographic requirements. The modular concept of the Utimaco CryptoServer SDK 4.20 also offers additional flexibility for smart metering and smart grid applications as well as for the automotive sector.

For more information about the SecurityServer and CryptoServer SDK 4.20, or to learn more about Utimaco’s advanced HSMs, visit https://hsm.utimaco.com or contact the team at hsm@utimaco.com.

About Utimaco

Utimaco is a leading manufacturer of HSMs that provide the Root of Trust to all industries, from financial services and payment to the automotive industry, cloud services to the public sector. We keep cryptographic keys and digital identities safe to protect critical digital infrastructures and high value data assets. Our products enable innovations and support the creation of new business by helping to secure critical business data and transactions.
Founded in 1983, Utimaco HSMs today are deployed across more than 80 countries in more than 1,000 installations. Utimaco employs a total of 170 people, with sales offices in Germany, the US, the UK and Singapore. For more information, visit https://hsm.utimaco.com/