Instance level keys in the Key Management Framework

  • Release version: Australia
  • Updated March 12, 2026
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    Summary of Instance Level Keys in the Key Management Framework

    The Key Management Framework (KMF) provides a structured key management solution using envelope encryption to protect platform keys, including Customer Data Encryption Keys (CDEKs). This framework ensures secure management and storage of cryptographic keys through a tamper-proof hardware security module (HSM) that meets the FIPS 140-2-L3 security standard.

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    Key Features

    • Envelope Encryption: This method encrypts a key with another key, ensuring a secure chain of keys. The Instance Key Encryption Key (IKEK) wraps module keys, which are in turn wrapped by the Instance Root Key (IRK) and then the Root Key (RK).
    • Hardware Security Module (HSM): Utilizes the SafeNet KeySecure HSM to provide physical and electronic tamper protection for key management.
    • Key Management: Several instance-level keys are defined for various cryptographic purposes, enhancing the security and integrity of operations within the ServiceNow AI Platform.

    Key Outcomes

    By leveraging the KMF, ServiceNow customers can achieve a high level of security for their key management processes. The defined keys include:

    • Root Key (RK): Decrypts the IRK.
    • Instance Root Key (IRK): Unique to each instance, used for wrapping internal keys.
    • Instance HMAC Key (IHK): Ensures authenticity and integrity of module keys.
    • Instance Key Encryption Key (IKEK): Wraps module keys securely.
    • Instance Asymmetric Encryption Key (IAEK): Facilitates secure key exchange and data replication.
    • Instance Signature Key (ISK): Used for internal signing purposes.
    • Customer Data Encryption Key (CDEK): Created through KMF, ensuring secure data encryption.

    These features enable customers to confidently manage their encryption keys while maintaining the integrity and security of their data operations within the ServiceNow platform.

    Learn about the Key Management Framework (KMF) key structure, which uses envelope encryption to ensure that all platform keys under KMF management are protected through a chain of keys. Customer Data Encryption Keys (CDEKs) created by KMF are also included in this structure

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    KMF key storage architecture

    The KMF key structure uses the SafeNet KeySecure Hardware Security Module (HSM). The HSM is designed to be physically and electronically tamper-proofed to meet the FIPS 140-2-L3 security standard. KMF uses envelope encryption to ensure that all platform keys under KMF management are protected through a chain of keys, including the module keys that can be generated by KMF.

    Envelope encryption

    Envelope encryption is the practice of encrypting a key with another key, also referred to as wrapping. Module keys are envelope encrypted by the Instance Key Encryption Key (IKEK), which in turn is envelope encrypted by the Instance Root Key (IRK), which is finally envelope encrypted by the Root Key (RK). Since the IRK can only be accessed by the HSM, the IKEK must be uploaded for decryption.

    Envelope encryption flow for ServiceNow keys

    At the instance level, KMF defines several keys that are used internally for varying cryptographic purposes throughout the ServiceNow AI Platform.

    This table provides examples of a subset of available keys that are managed and protected by KMF.

    Key Location Description
    Root Key (RK) Hardware Security Model (HSM) Root key used to decrypt the IRK.
    Instance Root Key (IRK) HSM A key unique to your instance that is used to envelope-encrypt several instance internal keys.
    Instance HMAC Key (IHK) Instance Unique per instance, the IHK is used internally for Hash-Based Message Authentication Code (HMAC) purposes.

    The IHK helps to verify the authenticity and integrity of module keys and is wrapped on either KeySecure or the File Key Store.
    Instance Key Encryption Key (IKEK) Instance

    The IKEK wraps the module keys and is wrapped on either KeySecure or the File Key Store.
    Instance Asymmetric Encryption Key (IAEK) Instance A key unique to your instance that is used internally for asymmetric encryption purposes.

    The IAEK is used to transmit confidential messages between an instance during Key Exchange or Instance Data Replication consumer approval.
    Instance Signature Key (ISK) Instance A key unique to your instance that is used internally for signing purposes.
    Password2 (PW2) Instance With KMF, the key for PW2 fields is fully managed by KMF.
    Customer Data Encryption Key (CDEK) Instance Encryption keys created through KMF are envelope-encrypted by the IKEK.
    Instance Data Replication (IDR) Data Encryption Key (DEK) Instance Specific encryption keys used for the IDR process.