Cryptographic Network Service: Purpose and Motivations
Recently I have started building a cryptographic network service (CNS) for use on my home LAN. The CNS will run on a cryptographic module (CM), in this case a dedicated host on the LAN. The purpose of the CM is to securely store cryptographic keys and perform cryptographic operations on behalf of client applications and network services. Keys never leave the CM.
The CM is the first step toward a larger project I have envisioned, which is to self-host as many of my own web services as possible. In the long term I plan to build my own web storage, map application and possibly more.
The motivations for this are privacy, educational, convenience, cost and most importantly to have fun. I have always enjoyed setting up and running my own equipment, from fixing up old cars, maintaining lawnmowers (I used to cut a lot of grass), to 3D printers and these days computers.