---
title: "Getting Started with Fortanix DSM - UI"
slug: "getting-started-with-fortanix-data-security-manager-ui"
updated: 2026-07-24T09:44:16Z
published: 2026-07-24T09:44:16Z
canonical: "support.fortanix.com/getting-started-with-fortanix-data-security-manager-ui"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://support.fortanix.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Getting Started with Fortanix DSM - UI

## 1.0 Introduction

This article provides an overview of the initial steps to begin using Fortanix-Data-Security-Manager (DSM).

It includes essential information for users to execute the following actions within Fortanix DSM:

- Signing Up
- Setting Up an Account
- Creating a Group
- Adding an Application (app) and assigning it to a Group(s)
- Add Users and assigning them to a Group(s)

*For more information on Fortanix DSM concepts, refer to* [*Concepts*](/v1/docs/concepts)*.*

## 2.0 Signing Up

To get started with the Fortanix DSM cloud service, you must register an account at <Your_DSM_Service_URL>. For example, [https://amer.smartkey.io.](https://amer.smartkey.io.) On-premises customers use the KMS URL, and the SaaS customers can use the URLs as listed [*here*](https://support.fortanix.com/hc/en-us/articles/4406135346068-Fortanix-DSM-SaaS-Global-Availability-Map) based on the application region.

*For more information on how to set up the Fortanix DSM, refer to the* [*Sign Up for Fortanix Data Security Manager SaaS*](https://support.fortanix.com/docs/users-guide-sign-up-for-fortanix-data-security-manager-saas)*.*

## 3.0 Setting Up an Account

Access the <Your_DSM_Service_URL> on the web browser and enter your credentials to log in to the Fortanix DSM.

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/c3bd85d2-4ad8-4d85-9f60-f1c168a3aad9/Images/Documentation/DSM_SaaS_Login_page(18).png)

**Figure 1: Logging in**

Within this interface, you can either create a new account or respond to an invitation to join an existing one. If you have created a new account, perform the following steps to add your first group and an application in the Fortanix DSM. *For more information, refer to* [*Section 4.0: Creating a Group*](/v1/docs/users-guide-getting-started-with-fortanix-data-security-manager-ui#40-creating-a-group)*.*

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/c3bd85d2-4ad8-4d85-9f60-f1c168a3aad9/Images/Documentation/DSM_Create_Account.png)

**Figure 2: Create or use existing account**

> [!NOTE]
> NOTE
> 
> Fortanix DSM now allows you to create an account replication setup, enabling you to periodically replicate the data from a source account to a destination account for backup, migration, or failover purposes. *For more information on how to set up account replication, refer to the* [*User's Guide: Account Replication*](https://support.fortanix.com/docs/users-guide-account-replication)*.*

After entering an account, you will see the DSM **Home** page, that provides a comprehensive overview of your system. A section of this page displays cards detailing the count of Groups, Apps, Security Objects, Users, and Plugins within the account.

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/c3bd85d2-4ad8-4d85-9f60-f1c168a3aad9/Images/Documentation/DSM_Home_Page(4).png)

**Figure 3: Home view**

You can also navigate to the DSM **Dashboard** where the top section highlights the most active apps based on their activity level, number of operations performed, and other metrics.

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/c3bd85d2-4ad8-4d85-9f60-f1c168a3aad9/Images/Documentation/Usage_Metrics_Landing_Screen(8).png)

**Figure 4: Dashboard view**

The Fortanix DSM user interface (UI) now includes a **Solutions** drop down at the top-navigation bar. This menu provides easy navigation to the following other Fortanix products and solutions:

- **Key Insight**
- **Identity & Access Management**

Clicking any of the options in the **Solutions** drop down menu will redirect you to the **Fortanix Armor** login page. If you are already logged in, you will be redirected to the **Fortanix Armor** Solutions page. *For more information on Fortanix Armor, refer to* [*Fortanix Armor*](https://support.fortanix.com/docs/fortanix-armor)*.*

> [!NOTE]
> NOTE
> 
> - The **Solutions** menu in the top-navigation bar of Fortanix DSM UI is only visible in Fortanix DSM SaaS.
> - Clicking **Key Insight** or **Identity & Access Management** does not authenticate you to Fortanix DSM. *For more information about Fortanix Armor, contact the Fortanix Support team.*

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/c3bd85d2-4ad8-4d85-9f60-f1c168a3aad9/Images/Documentation/DSM_Solutions(1).png)

**Figure 5: Solutions menu**

*For more information on how to delete or disable a Fortanix DSM account, refer to the* [*FAQs - Fortanix Data Security Manager UI*](/v1/docs/faqs-fortanix-data-security-manager-ui)*.*

## 4.0 Creating a Group

Perform the following steps to create the first group in the Fortanix DSM:

1. Click the **Groups** menu item in the DSM left navigation panel and click **ADD GROUP** to add a new group.

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/c3bd85d2-4ad8-4d85-9f60-f1c168a3aad9/Images/Documentation/DSM_Add_Group(6).png)

**Figure 6: Add groups**
2. On the **Adding new group** page:
  1. **Title**: Enter a title for your group.
  2. **Description**: Enter a short description for the group (optional).
  3. **Add Group Quorum Policy**: Specify the Quorum approval policy for the group. This setting determines the number of approvals required for security-sensitive operations within the group. Adjust this policy based on your security requirements. *For more information, refer to the* [*User's Guide: Group Quorum Policy*](/v1/docs/users-guide-group-quorum-policy)*.*
  4. **Configure as HSM/External KMS group**: Select this option to configure the group as an HSM (Hardware Security Module) or External Key Management Service (KMS) group. This is relevant if you intend to use external devices or services for key management.

*For more information, refer to the following:*
    - [*Cloud Data Control*](https://support.fortanix.com/docs/cloud-data-control)
    - [*User's Guide: HSM Gateway*](/v1/docs/users-guide-hsm-gateway)
  5. **Configure a KEK from an existing group**: Select this option to configure a Key Encryption Key (KEK) for the group using an existing group as a reference. This is useful when establishing cryptographic mechanisms within the group. *For more information, refer to the* [*User's Guide: Group Key Encryption Key*](/v1/docs/users-guide-group-key-encryption-key)*.*
3. Click **SAVE** to create the new group.

*For more information about groups, refer to* [*Definitions*](/v1/docs/dsm-definitions#40-groups)*.*

> [!NOTE]
> TIP
> 
> It is recommended to configure a **Key undo policy** for groups for the cryptographic keys used by the application before creating or using the keys. Without a configured **Key undo policy**, key deletion is permanent and the deleted key cannot be recovered. Deleting an encryption key may result in permanent loss of access to the protected data and service disruption for applications that depend on the deleted key. *For detailed steps, refer to* [*Key Undo Policy*](/v1/docs/fortanix-dsm-key-undo-policy)*.*

> [!NOTE]
> NOTE
> 
> When you update the group name from the group's detailed view, its UUID remains unchanged.

*For information on Server-Side Table Processing (SSTP) on groups, refer to* [*Definitions*](https://support.fortanix.com/docs/definitions#40-groups)*.*

## 5.0 Creating an Application

An app within Fortanix DSM leverages the platform for generating, storing, and utilizing security objects such as cryptographic keys, certificates, or arbitrary secrets. Examples of such applications encompass web servers, Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) servers, key vaults, and others. The application can interact with Fortanix DSM through various interfaces, such as the Representational State Transfer (REST) APIs or by employing the Public-Key Cryptography Standards (PKCS)#11, Java Cryptography Extension (JCE), or Cryptography API: Next Generation (CNG) providers.

Perform the following steps to create the first application in the Fortanix DSM:

1. Click the **Apps** menu item in the DSM left navigation panel and click **ADD APP** to add a new group.

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/c3bd85d2-4ad8-4d85-9f60-f1c168a3aad9/Images/Documentation/DSM_Add_App.png)

**Figure 7: Add application**
2. On the **Adding new app** page:
  1. **App Name**: Enter the name of your application.
  2. **Interface (Optional)**: Select the required interface type from the drop down menu, such as REST API, PKCS#11, JCE, CNG, and KMIP.
  3. **ADD DESCRIPTION**: Enter a short description for the application (optional).
  4. **Authentication Method**: Select the required authentication method from the available options on the UI. *For more information on these authentication methods, refer to the* [*User's Guide: Authentication*](/v1/docs/users-guide-authentication)*.*
    - **Set app secret key size**: Select the required size of the application secret key (in bytes) from the drop down menu.
  5. **OAuth**: Enable OAuth to authorize the application to perform crypto and key management operations on behalf of the User in groups that the User has administrator role.
  6. **Assigning the new app to groups**: Select one or more group names from the drop down menu to associate this application with that group(s).
3. Click **SAVE** to add the new application.

*For more information about applications, refer to* [*Definitions*](https://support.fortanix.com/docs/dsm-definitions#50-applications)*.*

*For information on Server-Side Table Processing (SSTP) on apps, refer to* [*Definitions*](https://support.fortanix.com/docs/definitions#50-applications)*.*

### 5.1 Mapping Group to an Application

To associate a new or existing application with a particular group, you can use one of the following methods:

- Method 1 - Using the **Apps** menu item.
- Method 2 - Using **NEW APP**.
- Method 3 - Using **ADD APP**.

#### 5.1.1 Method 1 - Using the Apps Menu Item

Perform the following steps:

1. Click the **Apps** menu item in the DSM left navigation panel and select the required application from the list.
2. In the application’s detailed view, locate the **Groups** section and click **EDIT GROUPS**.

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/c3bd85d2-4ad8-4d85-9f60-f1c168a3aad9/Images/Documentation/image-1769060473737.png)

**Figure 8: Edit group for application**
3. In the **Group Association** dialog box, select an existing group from the drop down menu or click **CREATE NEW GROUP** to add a new group.
4. Click **SAVE CHANGES** to apply the updates.

#### 5.1.2 Method 2 - Using NEW APP

Perform the following steps:

1. Click the **Groups** menu item in the DSM left navigation panel and select the required group from the list.
2. In the **Info** tab, click **NEW APP**.

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/c3bd85d2-4ad8-4d85-9f60-f1c168a3aad9/Images/Documentation/image-1768973748656.png)

**Figure 9: Add application to group**

This will redirect you the **Adding new apps** page. *For more information, refer to* [*Section 5.0: Creating an Application*](/v1/docs/users-guide-getting-started-with-fortanix-data-security-manager-ui#50-creating-an-application)*.*

> [!NOTE]
> NOTE
> 
> In the **Assigning the new app to groups** section, the group is already assigned. Click **EDIT GROUPS** to add more groups to the application.
3. Click **SAVE** to apply the updates.

#### 5.1.3 Method 3 - Using ADD APP

Perform the following steps:

1. Click the **Groups** menu item in the DSM left navigation panel and select the required group from the list.
2. In the group’s detailed view, under the **APPS** tab, click **ADD APP**.

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/c3bd85d2-4ad8-4d85-9f60-f1c168a3aad9/Images/Documentation/image-1768973766041.png)

**Figure 10: Add application to apps tab**
3. In the **Search for apps to add** dialog box, select one or more existing applications to associate with that group.
4. Click **SAVE CHANGES** to apply the updates.

### 5.2 Deleting the Application

To delete an application, you can use one of the following methods:

- Method 1 – Using the **Apps** menu item.
- Method 2 – Using the **Groups** menu item.

#### 5.2.1 Method 1 – Using the Apps Menu Item

Perform the following steps to delete an application using the **Apps** menu item:

1. Click the **Apps** menu item in the DSM left navigation panel and select the required application from the list.
2. In the application’s detailed view, scroll to the end of the page and click **DELETE APP**.

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/c3bd85d2-4ad8-4d85-9f60-f1c168a3aad9/Images/Documentation/image-1768978021956.png)

**Figure 11: Delete app**
3. In the **Delete App** dialog box, click **DELETE** to confirm the action.

#### 5.2.2 Method 2 - Using the Groups Menu Item

Perform the following steps to delete an application using the **Groups** menu item:

1. Click the **Groups** menu item in the DSM left navigation panel and select the required group from the list.
2. In the **Apps** tab, click the overflow menu ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/c3bd85d2-4ad8-4d85-9f60-f1c168a3aad9/Images/Documentation/Screenshot (1342).png) next to the application you want to delete and select **DELETE**.

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/c3bd85d2-4ad8-4d85-9f60-f1c168a3aad9/Images/Documentation/image-1771327586485.png)

**Figure 12: Delete option**
3. In the **Delete App** dialog box, click **DELETE** to confirm the action.

## 6.0 Add Users

A user who creates a group automatically gets assigned the role of Group Administrator. You can add additional users to a group with the roles of Administrator, Auditor, or Member. These roles can be assigned at either the account or group level. *For more information, refer to* [*Authorization*](/v1/docs/authorization)*.*

*For more information on how to invite a user, create a new user or delete the user, refer to the* [*User's Guide: Inviting a User to Fortanix Data Security Manager*](/v1/docs/users-guide-inviting-a-user-to-fortanix-data-security-manager)*.*

### 6.1 Mapping Group to User

To associate a new or existing user to a particular group, you can use one of the following methods:

- Method 1 - Using the **Users** menu item.
- Method 2 - Using **NEW USER**.
- Method 3 - Using **ADD USER**.

#### 6.1.1 Method 1 - Using the Users Menu Item

> [!NOTE]
> NOTE
> 
> You can modify the groups for a user only if the invitation is in pending state and the user is an Account Member.

Perform the following steps:

1. Click the **Users** menu item in the DSM left navigation panel and select the required user from the list.
2. In the user’s detailed view, locate the **Groups** section and click **EDIT GROUPS**.

> [!NOTE]
> NOTE
> 
> If the user is an Account Administrator or Account Auditor, they are automatically assigned to all groups as Group Administrator or Group Auditor, respectively.
> 
> ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/c3bd85d2-4ad8-4d85-9f60-f1c168a3aad9/Images/Documentation/image-1768978066033.png)
> 
> **Figure 13: Edit groups for new user**
3. In the **Manage group for user** dialog box, select an existing group from the drop down menu or click the **CREATE NEW GROUP** option to add a new group. Edit the permission of the user for the group if required.
4. Click **SAVE CHANGES** to apply the updates.

#### 6.1.2 Method 2 - Using NEW USER

Perform the following steps:

1. Click the **Groups** menu item in the DSM left navigation panel and select the required group from the list.
2. In the **Info** tab, click **NEW USER**.

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/c3bd85d2-4ad8-4d85-9f60-f1c168a3aad9/Images/Documentation/image-1768978080743.png)

**Figure 14: Add user to group**

This will redirect you the **Adding new users to the account** page. *For more information, refer to* [*Section 6.0: Adding Users*](/v1/docs/users-guide-getting-started-with-fortanix-data-security-manager-ui#60-adding-users)*.*
3. Click **SAVE** to apply the updates.

#### 6.1.3 Method 3 - Using ADD USER

Perform the following steps:

1. Click the **Groups** menu item in the DSM left navigation panel and select the required group from the list.
2. In the **USERS** tab, click **ADD USERS**.

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/c3bd85d2-4ad8-4d85-9f60-f1c168a3aad9/Images/Documentation/image-1771327610383.png)

**Figure 15: Add user to users tab**
3. In the **Search for users to add** dialog box, select one or more existing users to associate with the group. Edit the user’s permission for the group if required.

> [!NOTE]
> NOTE
> 
> The **Search for users to add** to dialog box only displays users who are account members.
4. Click **SAVE CHANGES** to complete associating users to a group.

### 6.2 Deleting the User

Perform the following steps to delete a user:

1. Click the **Users** menu item in the DSM left navigation panel and select the required user from the list.
2. In the user’s detailed view, scroll to the end of the page and click **DELETE USER**.

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/c3bd85d2-4ad8-4d85-9f60-f1c168a3aad9/Images/Documentation/image-1768978108791.png)

**Figure 16: Delete user**

> [!NOTE]
> NOTE
> 
> Alternatively, you can click the overflow menu ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/c3bd85d2-4ad8-4d85-9f60-f1c168a3aad9/Images/Documentation/Screenshot (1342)(1).png) next to the user you want to delete and select **DELETE**.
> 
> ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/c3bd85d2-4ad8-4d85-9f60-f1c168a3aad9/Images/Documentation/image-1771327629909(1).png)
> 
> **Figure 17: Delete option**
3. In the **Delete User** dialog box, click **DELETE** to confirm the action.

replication

Fortanix Data Security Manager (DSM) is the world’s first cloud service secured with Intel® SGX. With Fortanix DSM, you can securely generate, store, and use cryptographic keys and certificates, as well as other secrets such as passwords, API keys, tokens, or any blob of data. Your business-critical applications and containers can integrate with Fortanix DSM using legacy cryptographic interfaces (PKCS#11, CNG, and JCE) or using the native Fortanix DSM RESTful interface.

Fortanix Data Security Manager (DSM) is the world’s first cloud service secured with Intel® SGX. With Fortanix DSM, you can securely generate, store, and use cryptographic keys and certificates, as well as other secrets such as passwords, API keys, tokens, or any blob of data. Your business-critical applications and containers can integrate with Fortanix DSM using legacy cryptographic interfaces (PKCS#11, CNG, and JCE) or using the native Fortanix DSM RESTful interface.

## Related

- [Fortanix DSM - Quickstart](/fortanix-data-security-manager-quickstart.md)
- [Key Components](/fortanix-dsm-key-components.md)
- [Azure Key Vault Group Setup](/fortanix-dsm-azure-key-vault-cdc-group-setup.md)
- [Fortanix DSM with Microsoft SQL Server TDE - Standalone Server](/fortanix-dsm-with-microsoft-sql-server-tde-integration-standalone-server.md)
- [Azure Key Vault Bring Your Own Key](/fortanix-dsm-azure-key-vault-byok-bring-your-own-key.md)