IBM 4764

The IBM 4764, also known as the IBM Personal Computer Cryptographic Coprocessor, was a hardware security module (HSM) introduced by IBM in the late 1980s. Its primary purpose was to provide secure cryptographic processing and key storage for sensitive data and applications running on IBM PCs and related systems.

The 4764 was designed to protect cryptographic keys from unauthorized access and tampering. It achieved this through a combination of hardware and software security features, including physical tamper resistance, secure key storage, and controlled access mechanisms. The device provided a range of cryptographic functions, such as encryption, decryption, key generation, and digital signature generation and verification.

It was typically used in applications requiring high levels of security, such as financial transactions, electronic funds transfer (EFT), and data encryption. It was often deployed in conjunction with specialized software applications designed to leverage its cryptographic capabilities.

The IBM 4764 was a significant component in the evolution of hardware-based security solutions for personal computers and laid the groundwork for subsequent generations of HSMs. While now considered a legacy device, its impact on the development of secure computing technologies remains notable. Its introduction demonstrated the importance of dedicated hardware for protecting sensitive cryptographic operations.