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Hardware security modules (HSMs) are specialized electronic devices designed to protect cryptographic keys and perform cryptographic operations securely. The concept of HSMs was pioneered by Mohamed M. Atalla in the 1970s. HSMs provide a secure environment for storing and managing sensitive data, such as encryption keys, digital certificates, and other credentials. They offer protection against physical tampering, unauthorized access, and malicious attacks, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive information.