Instance level keys in the Key Management Framework

  • Release version: Zurich
  • Updated July 31, 2025
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    Summary of Instance level keys in the Key Management Framework

    The Key Management Framework (KMF) in ServiceNow uses a hierarchical key structure with envelope encryption to protect platform keys, including Customer Data Encryption Keys (CDEKs). This structure ensures robust cryptographic security by managing keys through a chain, secured by hardware and encryption standards.

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    Key Features

    • Hardware Security Module (HSM): KMF utilizes the SafeNet KeySecure HSM, which is FIPS 140-2-L3 certified for tamper-proof physical and electronic security.
    • Envelope Encryption: Keys are encrypted in layers (“wrapped” by other keys). The Root Key (RK) encrypts the Instance Root Key (IRK), which encrypts the Instance Key Encryption Key (IKEK), which in turn encrypts module keys.
    • Instance Level Keys: Several keys unique to each ServiceNow instance are managed internally for different cryptographic functions within the AI Platform:
      • Root Key (RK): Stored in the HSM, decrypts the IRK.
      • Instance Root Key (IRK): Unique to each instance, used to envelope-encrypt multiple internal keys.
      • Instance HMAC Key (IHK): Used for Hash-Based Message Authentication Code to verify authenticity and integrity of module keys.
      • Instance Key Encryption Key (IKEK): Wraps module keys and is stored either on KeySecure or File Key Store.
      • Instance Asymmetric Encryption Key (IAEK): Used for asymmetric encryption tasks such as secure message transmission during key exchange or data replication approvals.
      • Instance Signature Key (ISK): Used for signing operations within the instance.
      • Password2 (PW2) Key: Fully managed by KMF to secure PW2 fields.
      • Customer Data Encryption Keys (CDEKs): Created by KMF and encrypted by the IKEK for protecting customer data.
      • Instance Data Replication (IDR) Data Encryption Keys (DEKs): Specific keys used to secure data replication processes.

    Key Outcomes

    ServiceNow customers benefit from a secure, standardized cryptographic key management system that leverages hardware security modules and layered envelope encryption. This design safeguards sensitive keys and data, supports authentication and integrity verification, and enables secure data exchange and replication across instances.

    By understanding the roles and protection layers of instance-level keys, customers can trust that their data encryption keys and platform keys are securely managed according to stringent security standards within the ServiceNow environment.

    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.