4769 Custom Programming

IBM 4769 Custom Programming

Custom software support

The 4769 HSM contains firmware to manage its specialized hardware and to control loading of additional software based on coprocessor-validated digital signatures. Software support includes the embedded Linux® operating system and special device drivers, which provide the platform for application support. Custom applications can be written to run within the HSM, using the internal APIs to perform cryptographic functions. Developing additional functions through User Defined Extensions (UDXs) using CCA as a starting point can be more economical and less time-consuming than creating an entirely new application.

Special key management functions and PIN processing routines are typical extensions.

When an application is substantially different from CCA, or is proprietary, a complete custom application can be built on the embedded Linux environment. Very different approaches to cryptographic processing or even non-cryptographic applications that require a secure processing environment can be developed for the HSM.

Programming custom applications

The 4769 HSM represents a specialized programming environment with its own tools, debug aids, and code release procedures. Rather than learn to create applications for this specialized environment, customers can obtain custom programming services through an experienced IBM team or through selected contractors. IBM is pleased to jointly develop specifications and quote on custom solutions. Please contact the Cryptocards team for additional information.

Alternatively, IBM offers a toolkit that you can use to create and debug custom applications yourself. Toolkit documentation is listed on the 4769 Library page and is available for download in PDF format from the IBM 4769 download site.

IBM Cryptographic Coprocessor Toolkit

Custom application programs are loaded in Segment 3 of the HSM, which is the highest level of the HSM's four memory segments. Firmware loaded in Segment 3 can take full advantage of the embedded Linux operating system to perform security-sensitive tasks, cryptographic operations, or both.

A Toolkit custom contract normally provides education on preparing programs to operate within the HSM, a copy of the Toolkit, follow-up support, and assignment of a unique identifier for user code and certification of code-sign keys. Frequently a contract provides consultation to hasten application development, and sometimes provides for initial development by IBM. As needed, IBM is typically able to bid on development of your custom solution or extension.

Availability of the Toolkit, as well as applications created or extended with it, is subject to the export regulations of the United States Government, and in some cases to the import regulations of other countries.

For Toolkit or UDX inquiries, contact the Cryptocards team.

Toolkit sha256sums