Does FIPS define the security requirements for cryptography?

This Federal Information Processing Standard (140-2) specifies the security requirements that will be satisfied by a cryptographic module, providing four increasing, qualitative levels intended to cover a wide range of potential applications and environments.

What are FIPS validated cryptographic algorithms?

Definition(s): A cryptographic module validated by the Cryptographic Module Validation Program (CMVP) to meet requirements specified in FIPS Publication 140-2 (as amended).

What is a FIPS cryptographic module?

FIPS 140: “Security Requirements for Cryptographic Modules” The FIPS 140 standard is used in designing, implementing, and operating cryptographic modules. A cryptographic module is the set of hardware, software, and/or firmware that implements security functions, such as algorithms and key generation.

How do I get FIPS 140-2 Certification?

To be FIPS 140-2 certified or validated, the software (and hardware) must be independently validated by one of 13 NIST specified laboratories. The process takes weeks. Sometimes the software fails and must be fixed and then the testing process repeated.

What are the 4 levels of FIPS?

FIPS 140-2 is a standard which handles cryptographic modules and the ones that organizations use to encrypt data-at-rest and data-in-motion. FIPS 140-2 has 4 levels of security, with level 1 being the least secure, and level 4 being the most secure: FIPS 140-2 Level 1- Level 1 has the simplest requirements.

Should FIPS be enabled?

Windows has a hidden setting that will enable only government-certified “FIPS-compliant” encryption. It may sound like a way to boost your PC’s security, but it isn’t. You shouldn’t enable this setting unless you work in government or need to test how software will behave on government PCs.

What is a FIPS 140-2 certificate?

The Federal Information Processing Standard 140-2 (FIPS 140-2) is an information technology security accreditation program for validating that the cryptographic modules produced by private sector companies meet well-defined security standards.

When did FIPS 140-3 go into effect?

On Sunday, September 22, Federal Information Processing Standards Publication (FIPS) 140-3, Security Requirements for Cryptographic Modules went into effect. FIPS 140-3 is the replacement for 140-2, which had been the gold standard for unclassified but sensitive data hardware security since 2001.

How are cryptographic modules tested by NVLAP accredited laboratories?

NVLAP accredited Cryptographic and Security Testing (CST) Laboratories perform conformance testing of cryptographic modules. Cryptographic modules are tested against requirements found in FIPS 140-2, Security Requirements for Cryptographic Modules [ PDF ].

What does CMVP stand for in FIPS 140-2?

This is intended to provide clarifications of CMVP programmatic guidance, FIPS 140-2, FIPS 140-2 Derived Test Requirements, testing guidance, and guidance related to the implementation of Approved or non-Approved security functions.

What are the security requirements for a cryptographic module?

The security requirements cover areas related to the secure design, implementation and operation of a cryptographic module.