Security Comparison
Table 1 compares CPACF clear key, CPACF protected key, and
Crypto Express6S/7S/8S security.
| CPACF clear key | CPACF protected key | Crypto Express7S/8S | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security of keys | Low: Keys are not encrypted in storage and when sent to CPACF for use. | Medium: Keys are stored in the key repository as secure keys, encrypted under the appropriate master key. When used as a protected key, the key material is decrypted from under the master key and re-encrypted under a wrapping key. | High: Keys are protected by encryption at all times, and hardware has tamper sensors and zeroizes keys when tampering is detected. |
| Functions provided | Basic symmetric key with additional chaining options, and hashing and MACs functions. | Basic symmetric key with additional chaining options, and hashing and MACs functions. | Full CCA and EP11 function set including symmetric and public-key cryptography and key management, hashing, special banking and finance functions, and others. |