Blockchain Security
Assure that each blockchain network user is authenticated and each transaction is valid
Blockchain technology represents significant new opportunities to transform the way data is shared and value is transferred, but along with its benefits come new challenges. One of the primary roadblocks to blockchain’s broader adoption is the resolution of a critical issue: security.
As organizations continue to find new and innovative use cases for blockchain, security must be incorporated from the outset. Only by ensuring that each transaction submitted to the blockchain is digitally signed using signing keys that are properly secured, and that the consensus logic is safeguarded against tampering, can we advance our use of this transformative technology and reap the rewards it promises.
Entrust nShield HSMs and Professional Services can help your organization develop and implement secure, scalable blockchain applications.
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Challenges
Authenticating Participants
Before individuals are allowed to participate in a distributed ledger, they must be authenticated using highly secure methods.
Trusting Transactions
Participants of a network need assurance that each transaction can be trusted. Otherwise, trust in the network itself will be in question.
Securing the Keys
While blockchain technology itself has proved tamper-resistant, cryptographic keys are essential to secure access to a distributed network and ensure transactions are valid. These keys can become vulnerable and stolen via network breaches, as seen in the attacks on cryptocurrency exchanges in recent years.
Solutions
Strong Authentication
Similar to banking and other industries, establishing trust in a blockchain network depends on strong authentication of participating users and devices, underpinned by cryptographic processes. Organizations worldwide rely on Entrust nShield HSMs as the foundation of their high-assurance user authentication methods.
Digital Signatures
Transactions submitted to the blockchain are digitally signed using a private key to confirm that the entry comes from the user and to prevent any alterations. Entrust nShield HSMs protect the underlying root keys that are used for the issuance and revocation of private keys.
Hardened Security for Root Keys
Entrust nShield HSMs provide FIPS-certified, tamper-resistant protection for the root keys that underpin network user authentication and transaction validation. Field-proven nShield HSMs are available in a range of form-factors and performance levels to suit particular environments.
Benefits
Delivering the Root of Trust
Entrust nShield HSMs provide a strong root of trust for the keys and cryptographic operations that enable organizations to build, deploy, and operate blockchain-based transaction networks with confidence.
Security
Entrust nShield HSMs provide leading protection for root keys that fulfills even the most stringent security requirements.
Scalability
Entrust nShield HSMs can be clustered for greater performance and availability, enabling the scalability of blockchain operations without sacrificing security.
Stronger Compliance
Entrust nShield HSMs meet FIPS 140-2 Level 3 and Common Criteria EAL 4+ certifications, meaning organizations in highly regulated environments can execute on blockchain strategies while satisfying compliance requirements.
Resources
Solution Brief: Securing Blockchain
As organizations continue to find new and innovative use cases for blockchain, security must be incorporated from the outset. Download our solution brief to learn how Entrust nShield HSMs help deliver a root of trust to blockchain applications.
Data Sheet: nShield Connect
Entrust nShield HSMs generate and store the root keys that underpin distributed ledger networks in FIPS-certified, tamper-resistant hardware.
Related Products
Networked appliances that deliver cryptographic key services to applications distributed across servers and virtual machines.
