1. A method, in a data processing system, for matching data to a dynamic set of signatures, the method comprising: creating a state transition, result, and mask (STR&M) table based on a set of signatures; executing scanner code in each of a plurality of hardware devices in parallel to form a plurality of matching engines; loading the STR&M table into each of the plurality of matching engines; responsive to receiving a plurality of input records at the plurality of matching engines, extracting input strings from the plurality of input records; submitting the plurality of input strings for scanning by the plurality of matching engines; and receiving signature set match results from the plurality of matching engines.