FIPS 140-2

Definition

FIPS 140-2 is a U.S. government standard that specifies security requirements for cryptographic modules used within a security system. This standard ensures that cryptographic hardware and software comply with certain levels of security, which is essential for protecting sensitive information and maintaining the integrity of cryptographic operations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. FIPS 140-2 was established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to ensure the secure use of cryptography in federal systems.
2. There are four distinct security levels in FIPS 140-2, ranging from Level 1 (basic security) to Level 4 (high-security), with increasing requirements for physical and logical security measures.
3. The standard applies to both hardware and software cryptographic modules, meaning both types must undergo testing and validation to meet its criteria.
4. Compliance with FIPS 140-2 is often a requirement for vendors seeking to provide cryptographic solutions to federal agencies and contractors.
5. The standard is currently being updated to FIPS 140-3, which incorporates advancements in technology and security practices.

Review Questions

• How does FIPS 140-2 ensure the security of cryptographic modules?
  • FIPS 140-2 ensures the security of cryptographic modules by setting specific security requirements that these modules must meet in order to be certified. These requirements include standards for physical security, management of cryptographic keys, operational environment, and overall design integrity. By adhering to these requirements, cryptographic modules can effectively protect sensitive information from unauthorized access or breaches.
• Compare the four security levels defined by FIPS 140-2 and their implications for hardware verification.
  • FIPS 140-2 defines four security levels: Level 1 requires basic security, while Level 4 involves stringent requirements for protection against environmental attacks. Each level builds upon the previous one, with increasing specifications related to physical tamper resistance and management of critical security parameters. In the context of hardware verification, this means that as the level increases, so do the complexities involved in testing and validating that the hardware meets these higher standards.
• Evaluate the impact of FIPS 140-2 compliance on the broader landscape of cryptographic solutions and vendor opportunities.
  • Compliance with FIPS 140-2 significantly impacts the landscape of cryptographic solutions by establishing a benchmark for trustworthiness among vendors. Organizations looking to procure cryptographic technologies often require FIPS certification to ensure that products meet federal security standards. This creates a competitive advantage for compliant vendors while encouraging others to enhance their product offerings to achieve certification. As a result, FIPS 140-2 compliance not only boosts market confidence but also drives innovation in secure cryptographic solutions.

Related terms

Cryptographic Module: A cryptographic module is a hardware or software component that performs cryptographic functions, such as encryption and decryption, and manages cryptographic keys.

Security Level: FIPS 140-2 defines four security levels, each with specific requirements that increase in rigor, impacting how cryptographic modules handle sensitive information.

Common Criteria: Common Criteria is an international standard for evaluating the security properties of IT products, often used in conjunction with FIPS 140-2 to provide assurance on the effectiveness of security measures.