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CryptoCards

IBM Systems cryptographic hardware products

Security demands a variety of cryptographic solutions. The IBM Systems offer multiple products to address your cryptographic needs.

The IBM PCIe Cryptographic Coprocessor (CEX3C/4765):
The PCIe Cryptographic Coprocessor (PCIeCC) is new in 2010. It provides a replacement on PCIe architectures for the PCIXCC. The PCIeCC, in addition to the functions available on the PCIXCC, provides support for the following functions:

  • Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) key generation, along with digital signature generation and verification using the Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA).
  • MAC generation and verification using HMAC that is based on FIPS PUB 198-1, The Keyed-Hash Message Authentication Code (HMAC).
  • A second key-wrapping method for DES keys. This method is a more secure version of the Triple-DES ECB mode currently used by CCA and complies with current cryptographic standards that require key bundling.
  • Enhanced PIN security based on ANSI X9.8 restriction capabilities.

The IBM PCI-X Cryptographic Coprocessor (PCIXCC):
The PCI-X Cryptographic Coprocessor was introduced with the IBM Systems zSeries 990 servers. It provides a replacement for both the PCICC and the CMOS Cryptographic Coprocessor Facility (CCF). The PCIXCC supports highly secure cryptographic functions, use of secure encrypted key values and user-defined extensions.

Note: On May 24, 2011, IBM announced that the IBM 4764-001 Cryptographic Coprocessor on System x and its associated feature code 1008 (battery-replacement kit) will be withdrawn from marketing effective December 31, 2011 (IBM United States Withdrawal Announcement 911-129).

The IBM e-business Cryptographic Accelerator (PCICA) (withdrawn from marketing):
Secure Web transactions frequently employ the Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol. The IBM e-business PCI Cryptographic Accelerator board offloads your server from compute-intensive public-key cryptographic operations employed in the protocol. This cost-effective solution often enables significantly greater server throughput.

Note: The PCICA was available for iSeries, pSeries, and zSeries machines. Effective January 28, 2005, IBM withdrew it from marketing.

The IBM 4758 PCI Cryptographic Coprocessor (withdrawn from marketing):
The IBM 4758 PCI Cryptographic Coprocessor is a high security, programmable PCI board. Specialized cryptographic electronics, micro-processor, memory, and random number generator housed within a tamper-responding environment provide a highly secure subsystem in which data processing and cryptography can be performed.

Note: The IBM 4758 PCI Cryptographic Coprocessor was available for iSeries, pSeries and xSeries machines, older zSeries servers, and in general for Intel-based machines running Windows 2000. Effective March 31, 2005, IBM withdrew it from marketing.

Related products

The IBM CP Assist for Cryptographic Function (CPACF):
New with the IBM Systems zSeries 990 servers, the standard CP Assist for Cryptographic Function feature provides hardware acceleration for DES, TDES, MAC, and SHA-1 cryptographic services. Cryptographic keys must be protected by your application system, as required.

The IBM Cryptographic Coprocessor Facility (CCF):
IBM zSeries servers, except the zSeries 990, offer a Common Cryptographic Facility feature providing high-performance for DES, Triple-DES, RSA, and various finance-industry-specific cryptographic services. FIPS 140 level 4 certification of the hardware attests to the strength of cryptographic security.

Spotlight

News for current customers

New product release for IBM 4765 now available on IBM ServerProven System x servers, effective September 2011. This release includes support for ECDH, TR-31, AES CIPHER and transport keys, enhanced key-wrapping, improved PIN security and control, and more.

Effective December 2011, new add-on features are being offered for the IBM 4765 on System x to support additional operating systems. See the IBM 4765 software updates page.


On System z, the coprocessor is available as Crypto Express3 and is also available for Linux.


On May 24, 2011, IBM announced that the IBM 4764-001 Cryptographic Coprocessor for System x will be withdrawn from marketing effective December 31, 2011. Battery-replacement kit feature code 1008 will be replaced by part number 45D8663, and a new multi-battery pack (20 quantity), part number 74Y0460, will be added.