KMS - Key Management System
Tendermint KMS is a key management sytem 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.
When compiling the KMS, ensure you have enabled the applicable features:
| Backend | Recommended Command line |
|---|---|
| YubiHSM | cargo build --features yubihsm |
| Ledger+Tendermint App | cargo build --features ledgertm |
| Softsign (software-only) | cargo build --features softsign |
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
Using the Softsign feature with tmkms
Softsign is not recommended for production.
Otherwise, it could be a good way in order to become familiar with the tendermint kms
and understand the concepts behind it.
Here you can find out how to setup it (e.g in a testnet).