FIPS 140-2 (Federal Information Processing Standards Publication 140-2), issued by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), stands as a pivotal standard for securing cryptographic modules used by both governmental organizations and the private sector in the United States and other countries. This standard delineates requirements for the security properties of cryptographic modules, including hardware, software, and/or firmware, that process sensitive but unclassified information.

History and Development

FIPS 140-2 was first published on May 25, 2001, as a replacement for the original FIPS 140-1 with the aim to enhance and update the security requirements for cryptographic modules. Since then, it has become the de facto standard for securing cryptographic implementations in many governmental and industrial applications.

Requirements of FIPS 140-2

FIPS 140-2 consists of several key areas of requirements, including:

• Cryptographic Modules: Specifies the types of modules (hardware, software, firmware) falling under its purview.
• Security Levels: Defines four security levels (1 through 4), with each higher level imposing stricter requirements. These levels determine the degree of physical security, roles, authentication, and other security mechanisms required.
• Security Areas: Encompasses 11 different areas such as cryptographic operations, identification and authentication, physical security, and others, to which the standard applies.
• Testing: FIPS 140-2 requires cryptographic modules to undergo a certification process at accredited testing laboratories to verify compliance with the standard.

Certification Process

To attain FIPS 140-2 certification, manufacturers or providers of cryptographic modules must undergo a process involving the submission of their products to independent accredited testing laboratories. These laboratories conduct tests according to established criteria, and if the product meets all requirements, it is granted FIPS 140-2 certification.

Significance and Applications

FIPS 140-2 certification is often mandated for all products handling sensitive information within governmental projects in the United States. However, this standard is also applied beyond the governmental sector as it provides a strong assurance of security and is considered a mark of trust and reliability for cryptographic products.

FIPS 140-2 serves as a cornerstone for securing cryptographic modules, playing a crucial role in safeguarding information in the digital age. Its significance and applications extend beyond the governmental sector, making it a key standard for a wide array of information security applications. With the ongoing evolution and updates to this standard, it is expected to continue playing a pivotal role in the development of secure cryptographic technologies.