Which component is often utilized for light cryptographic functions?

A Hardware Security Module (HSM) is a physical device specifically designed to manage cryptographic keys and perform cryptographic operations safely and efficiently. HSMs are utilized in secure environments to perform light cryptographic functions, such as encryption and decryption of data, digital signatures, and key management. They provide a high level of security since they protect sensitive information and the cryptographic keys from unauthorized access, making them essential for organizations that require strong data protection measures.

In contrast, while standard CPUs can perform cryptographic functions, they may not be as secure or efficient for handling sensitive information compared to HSMs. Storage hard drives are primarily used for data storage and do not usually perform cryptographic functions directly. Networking routers may include features for data encryption in transit, but they are not specialized for cryptographic functions like HSMs are.