What solution has a systems security engineer provided by using a hardware security module (HSM)?

The solution provided by using a hardware security module (HSM) is the capability for secure key management, including functions such as key archiving and key escrow. HSMs are specialized hardware devices that provide strong physical and logical protection for cryptographic keys. They are designed to generate, store, and manage cryptographic keys securely, which is essential in many security applications.

Key archiving refers to the secure storage of cryptographic keys for backup and retrieval when needed, ensuring that keys can be recovered in case of loss or compromise. Key escrow allows for a controlled release of keys under specific circumstances, providing organizations with a way to manage access to encrypted data if needed, such as in legal scenarios.

The use of HSMs makes these processes more secure compared to software-based solutions, as they are immune to many forms of attacks that target software. They implement physical security measures, ensuring that keys do not leave the module unencrypted, and can perform cryptographic operations internally to minimize exposure.

While the other choices may involve functions related to cryptography and key management, the specific and focused role of HSMs is most accurately represented by the ability to provide secure key archiving and escrow capabilities.