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KMS - Key Management System

Tendermint KMS is a key management service that allows separating key management from Tendermint nodes. In addition it provides other advantages such as:

  • Improved security and risk management policies
  • Unified API and support for various HSM (hardware security modules)
  • Double signing protection (software or hardware based)

It is recommended that the KMS service runs in a separate physical hosts.

Building​

Detailed build instructions can be found here.

tip

When compiling the KMS, ensure you have enabled the applicable features:

BackendRecommended Command line
YubiHSMcargo build --features yubihsm
Ledger+Tendermint Appcargo build --features ledgertm

Configuration​

A KMS can be configured in various ways:

Using a YubiHSM​

Detailed information on how to setup a KMS with YubiHSM2 can be found here

Using a Ledger device running the Tendermint app​

Detailed information on how to setup a KMS with Ledger Tendermint App can be found here