What type of operations does an HSM perform related to cryptography?

The correct answer is that an HSM (Hardware Security Module) performs encryption and decryption operations. HSMs are specifically designed to safeguard cryptographic keys and provide a secure environment for cryptographic processing. They enable secure generation, storage, and management of keys used for encryption and decryption without exposing the keys to the outside world. This makes them critical components in any cryptographic infrastructure, especially in environments that require high levels of security.

HSMs are utilized in various applications that involve securing sensitive data through encryption, allowing data to be transformed into a format unreadable to unauthorized users, and then decrypted back into its original form when necessary. By performing these operations directly within a secure environment, HSMs significantly reduce the risk of key compromise.

Other operations, such as user authentication, can be part of a broader security infrastructure but are not the primary or most defining functions of an HSM. Similarly, while data storage management is important, it is not the primary role of an HSM, which focuses on cryptographic processes. Overall, the principal function of an HSM revolves around secure cryptographic applications, emphasizing its role in performing encryption and decryption operations.