A method includes determining, by a persistent memory lockstep unit of a hardware security module, that a first processor is attempting to change a state of the hardware security module. The method also includes determining, by the persistent memory lockstep unit, whether a second processor has attempted the same change. The method also includes preventing the change until both the first processor and the second processor have attempted the same change. The method also includes permitting the change to the state of the hardware security module based on a determination that both the first processor and the second processor have both attempted the same change.