Abstract
This IBM Redbooks Redguide provides a business-focused overview of how Trusted Key Entry (TKE), including its mobile capabilities, transforms the management of cryptographic keys in IBM Z CryptoExpress environments. As organizations face increasing pressure to protect sensitive data, maintain compliance, and support distributed operations, TKE delivers centralized control, enhanced security, and operational flexibility. Designed for decision makers, IT leaders, security architects, and system administrators, this guide explains how TKE reduces risk, improves auditability, and enables efficient, reliable key management. By highlighting real-world value and practical adoption scenarios, it helps organizations understand when and why to leverage TKE to strengthen their security posture and gain competitive advantage.
Authors
Mona Bagare, Divya K K, Anil Pasupuleti, Garry Sullivan and Eric Weinmann
- TKE for Managing Crypto Express
- Authors and Contributors
- Introduction to Hardware Security Modules and Trusted Key Entry
- Overview of TKE Architecture
- Core Capabilities of TKE
- IBM HSM Manager
- Best Practices and Considerations
- Summary
- Notices
TKE for Managing Crypto Express
Cryptography is the foundation of trust in modern digital enterprises. Financial transactions, personal data, digital identities, certificates, and critical business applications all rely on cryptographic systems to protect information from unauthorized access and manipulation. At the heart of these systems are Hardware Security Modules (HSMs), specialized security devices designed to safeguard cryptographic keys and perform sensitive cryptographic operations within a highly protected, hardware-based environment.
As organizations expand their use of IBM Z® and LinuxONE platforms, the management of cryptographic infrastructure becomes increasingly important. Enterprises often operate large environments consisting of multiple HSMs, numerous cryptographic domains, distributed administration teams, and stringent regulatory requirements. Managing these environments requires more than simply protecting keys; it requires secure processes, separation of duties, dual control, auditability, and operational consistency on a large scale. IBM® Trusted Key Entry (TKE) was created to address these challenges.
IBM TKE is IBM's solution for delivering compliant, hardware-based HSM management mechanisms for IBM Z and LinuxONE environments. TKE contains wizards that guide users through all primary HSM management tasks, while streamlining the user experience needed to meet stringent regulatory standards and guidelines.
IBM has introduced IBM HSM Manager, the next generation of HSM management. This tablet-based application connects to TKE appliances, enabling authorized administrators to securely manage IBM Z and LinuxONE HSMs from different locations. By eliminating the requirement for administrators to be physically co-located, IBM HSM Manager streamlines routine HSM administration, helping organizations reduce operational delays, lower travel expenses, and improve overall administrative efficiency.
This IBM Redbooks® Redguide introduces the concepts, architecture, capabilities, and operational practices associated with TKE and IBM HSM Manager. It is intended for security administrators, system programmers, security architects, compliance specialists, operations teams, technical decision makers, and anyone responsible for managing cryptographic infrastructure on IBM Z and LinuxONE systems.
By first establishing a solid understanding of HSMs, master keys, cryptographic domains, and regulatory requirements, this guide provides the context necessary to understand the purpose of TKE and how it delivers secure, scalable, and compliant HSM management. Subsequent chapters explore TKE architecture, key lifecycle management, remote administration through IBM HSM Manager, operational best practices, and deployment considerations.
Whether you are evaluating TKE for the first time, modernizing existing cryptographic management processes, or implementing remote HSM administration capabilities, this guide provides practical insight into the role of TKE within IBM Z and LinuxONE cryptographic environments.