In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first integrated processor, a second integrated processor, and a security processor. The first integrated processor has one or more network interfaces for receiving packets and also has a second interface. The second integrated processor is coupled to the second interface. A security processor is coupled to the second integrated processor. Also, a storage switch is contemplated employing one or more line cards which include the apparatus. The storage switch further includes at least one switch fabric card coupled to the at least one line card, wherein the switch fabric card is configured to route packets from the at least one line card and from one or more storage devices on a switch fabric. In another embodiment, the integrated processors may be systems on a chip (SOCs).