Encryption and Key Management for vSphere

VMware virtualization has been a game-changing technology for IT, providing efficiencies and capabilities that have previously been impossible for organizations constrained within a traditional IT data center world. With vSphere version 6.5 and vSAN version 6.6 VMware vSphere Enterprise Plus and VMware vSphere Platinum customers have the ability to encrypt VMware managed virtual machines and virtual disk using Alliance Key Manager. Using the same FIPS 140-2 compliant technology that is in our hardware security module (HSM) and in use by over 3,000 customers, Alliance Key Manager for VMware brings a proven and mature encryption key management solution to vSphere encryption, with a lower total cost of ownership.
 
Certified by VMware

Alliance Key Manager is certified by VMware for use with vSphere version 6.5 and later, and for vSAN version 6.6. Customers can use a VMware certified and PCI-compliant key manager to both protect databases in VMware instances (SQL Server, MongoDB, etc.) and can now use the same VMware certified key manager to protect vSphere and vSAN managed assets.

Benefits of Encryption and Key Management Completely within VMware

By deploying Alliance Key Manager for VMware as a virtualized encryption key manager, enterprises are able to reduce hardware costs, lower operational costs, minimize the IT footprint, and a clear path for a future move to the cloud. In addition to supporting vSphere and vSAN encryption, Alliance Key Manager supports application and database encryption in deployed VMware virtual servers.

Meet Compliance Requirements

For VMware users who need to meet compliance, the key manager has been validated to the PCI Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) in VMware by Coalfire, a PCI-qualified QSA assessor and independent IT and audit firm.  Enterprises across all industry verticals, regardless of where they deploy VMware, are subject to PCI-DSS compliance if they process electronic payments.  For VMware customers, FIPS 140-2 compliant encryption and key management for vSphere are a key defense for data security.  Additionally, Alliance Key Manager for VMware can also help businesses meet other compliance regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, GLBA/FFIEC, FISMA, etc.  

Encryption and Key Management in the Cloud

As enterprises adopt Public and Private clouds, they bring their sensitive data with them – customer names, email addresses and other personally identifiable information (PII). While compliance regulations require protecting this information, encrypting this data has been a challenge for organizations who want the flexibility and security of a native VMware solution. By deploying Alliance Key Manager for VMware as a vCloud or AWS instance, customers can achieve their security and efficiency goals in a cloud environment. As you move to the cloud Alliance Key Manager for VMware will make the migration easy. 

Encryption Key Management for Edge Computing

Edge computing requires that applications and infrastructure move closer to end users to achieve performance and availability goals. For edge computing customers, this often means that application deployments move to cloud or remote on-premise facilities. With Alliance Key Manager for Edge Computing, businesses can affordably extend Alliance Key Manager to edge environments - in the cloud or on-premise.

Supported Versions of vSphere and vSAN

Alliance Key Manager for VMware version 4.6 supports and is certified for vSphere Enterprise Plus and vSphere Platinum version 6.5 and later, and vSAN version 6.6 and later. Current Alliance Key Manager customers on a support contract can upgrade to version 4.6 at no charge. If you have questions regarding the different versions of VMware vSphere, click here to learn more.

Deployment & Training Services Are Included
Complexity is usually the largest concern in integrating encryption key management.  Townsend Security has simplified the process. When businesses choose Alliance Key Manager, they not only receive industry leading encryption key management, but free deployment and security hardening services. Townsend Security’s services team will: 

• Install and initialize Alliance Key Manager (AKM) virtual image
• TLS certificate management, download and expiration date tracking
• Redundancy implementation of mirroring
• Backup configuration support
• Security log forwarding via Syslog
• MFA activation
• Installation and configuration of Admin Console for key lifecycle management
• Key retrieval configuration including vSphere, SQL TDE, MongoDB TDE, etc... 

VMware Technology Alliance Partner

Townsend Security is a VMware Technology Alliance Partner (TAP) and Alliance Key Manager for VMware has achieved VMware Ready status.  This designation indicates that after a detailed validation process Alliance Key Manager for VMware has achieved VMware's highest level of endorsement.
 

Plug and Play Encryption Key Management

Deploying encryption and key management in VMware environments has never been easier. The videos below show just how easy it is.