# Initialize and connect a KMS

Ripple Custody's secure components need to use a cryptographic key-management system (KMS) backend to satisfy the system's security requirements and to enable the creation of blockchain accounts and transactions.

The following sections give guidance on the initialization and connection of a KMS to Ripple Custody.

## Supported key management systems (KMS)

Ripple Custody supports both HSM (Hardware Security Module) and MPC (Multi-Party Computation) key management approaches. For a complete list of supported KMS platforms and detailed integration guides, see [Key Management System Integration](/products/custody/v1.34/how-to/integrate-kms/overview).