IBM Security QRadar SIEM V7.4.3 Associate Analyst — Question 2

IBM Cloud Hyper Protect Crypto Services provide a dedicated key management service and Hardware Security Module (HSM) that provides the Keep Your Own Key capability. What is a hardware security module (HSM)?

Answer options

• A. A bare metal server configured with anti-virus software and firewall rules to prevent a security breach
• B. A physical USB key used to manage digital keys and provides crypto-processing
• C. A software application that generates digital keys for strong authentication and distributes key information
• D. A dedicated cryptographic processing system for key generation, encryption, decryption, and key storage

Correct answer: B

Explanation

The correct answer is B because a hardware security module (HSM) is specifically designed to provide secure management of digital keys and perform cryptographic operations. Options A and C describe different security measures and software solutions that do not relate directly to the functions of an HSM, while D, although related to cryptographic functions, does not capture the physical aspect of an HSM as a hardware device.