When it comes to safeguarding the most sensitive data of the U.S. Government, the stakes are undeniably high. To ensure the highest level of security, the government has established stringent standards for any technology used in cybersecurity solutions designed to protect government data. One such standard is FIPS.
In the world of cybersecurity, you'll often encounter terms like "FIPS certified" and "FIPS compliant." It's essential to understand the distinction between the two, and we'll delve into that in this article.
What is FIPS?
FIPS stands for Federal Information Processing Standard 140-2, or FIPS 140-2 for short. It's a cryptography standard that non-military U.S. federal agencies, government contractors, and service providers must adhere to when working with federal government entities that handle sensitive but unclassified (SBU) information. The FIPS 140-2 security standard holds recognition not only in the U.S. but also in Canada and the European Union.
Why FIPS 140-2 Matters to Both Public and Private Sectors
The robust level of protection offered by FIPS 140-2 has made it the go-to cryptography module standard for state and local government agencies, as well as enterprises in sectors like energy, transportation, manufacturing, healthcare, and financial services. Given its significance to both the public and private sectors, it's crucial to distinguish between "FIPS compliant or enabled" and "FIPS certified or validated."
The FIPS validation process
To achieve FIPS 140-2 validation or certification, all components of a security solution, including both hardware and software, must undergo testing and approval by one of the NIST-accredited independent laboratories. This process typically takes 6 to 9 months and entails submitting detailed documentation and source code to the testing laboratory. If the software fails during testing, it must be rectified, and the testing process must start anew. Any changes to the software code require re-validation to ensure no errors have been introduced.
FIPS Compliance Explained
When IT security solutions are marketed as "FIPS compliant," it means they claim to meet FIPS requirements. However, this designation doesn't imply that a NIST-approved laboratory has validated the product as a whole to meet FIPS requirements. In some cases, only specific components within the product might meet FIPS requirements.
Understanding FIPS Certification
During FIPS certification, file transfer software and client and server applications undergo independent testing to confirm their adherence to FIPS standards. They are also checked for security vulnerabilities, predictable number generation, and responsible key disposal. For instance, the GoSilent Cube portable VPN/firewall boasts robust encryption protection algorithms and design and uses FIPS CAVP certified algorithms.
GoSilent Cube: Elevating Data Security
GoSilent Cube employs AES 256-bit encryption to protect sensitive data via dual tunnel, end-to-end encryption. Data is never stored on an intermediary server, and no additional keys are generated. This fully portable, plug-and-play solution combines ease of use with Top Secret, government-grade protection. Today, GoSilent safeguards mission-critical intellectual property and data worldwide for both public and private sectors.
In conclusion, understanding the nuances of FIPS certification and compliance is vital when it comes to securing sensitive data, whether you're a government agency or a private enterprise. FIPS 140-2 sets the gold standard for encryption, and it's crucial to make informed choices when selecting cybersecurity solutions.
FAQs
To be FIPS compliant, an organization must adhere to the various data security and computer system standards outlined in the Federal information processing standards (FIPS).
How do you ensure FIPS compliance? ›
FIPS compliance means a product meets all the necessary security requirements established by the U.S. government for protecting sensitive information. To be FIPS-compliant, a product must adhere to rigid standards, pass rigorous testing, and be certified by NIST.
How to get FIPS certification? ›
For a video security system to become FIPS certified, it needs to undergo rigorous testing independently by an NIST approved lab. The lab will determine whether it meets the stringent standards of the FIPS and passed testing.
What is the meaning of FIPS in government? ›
NIST issues these standards and guidelines as Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) for governmentwide use. NIST develops FIPS when there are compelling federal government requirements, such as for security and interoperability, and there are no acceptable industry standards or solutions.
How do I know if something is FIPS-compliant? ›
The easiest way to determine if your CSP is FIPS 140-2 certified is to check the NIST Cryptographic Module Validation Program (CMVP) website. Click here to search for a company's name in NIST's Validated Modules database.
Who requires FIPS 140 certification? ›
Most organizations and agencies mandate that any new cryptographic product used to protect their information be validated to FIPS PUB 140-2. Both the U.S (NIST) and Canadian (CSE) federal governments have adopted FIPS PUB 140-2.
How do I know if my system is FIPS enabled? ›
To verify FIPS mode:
- $ fips-mode-setup --check FIPS mode is enabled.
- $ sysctl crypto.fips_enabled crypto.fips_enabled = 1.
- $ cat /proc/sys/crypto/fips_enabled 1.
In fact, the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) requires all federal agencies to be compliant with FIPS 140-2, which is the current version of the standard. There are a number of requirements that must be met in order to be FIPS compliant.
What is the difference between FIPS certified and FIPS validated? ›
Amount of validation
Other times, a lab may have only tested and validated certain parts of the security system. In comparison, the term "FIPS certified" means the entire system complies with FIPS requirements, not just some of its parts.
How much does it cost to get FIPS certified? ›
Security Level 1: Base fee: $8,000. Security Level 2: Base fee:$10,000. Security Level 3: Base fee: $10,000. Security Level 4: Base fee: $10,000.
FIPS are standards for federal computer systems that are developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and approved by the Secretary of Commerce in accordance with the Information Technology Management Reform Act of 1996 and Computer Security Act of 1987.
What is FIPS qualification? ›
The Federal Information Protection Standard, or FIPS, is one of these standards. These standards were created by the National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) to protect government data, and ensure those working with the government comply with certain safety standards before they have access to data.
What are the requirements for FIPS? ›
What Are the FIPS Compliance Requirements?
- Encryption algorithms.
- Key management.
- Physical security.
- Tamper resistance.
- Other features.
FIPS codes are numbers which uniquely identify geographic areas. The number of digits in FIPS codes vary depending on the level of geography. State-level FIPS codes have two digits, county-level FIPS codes have five digits of which the first two are the FIPS code of the state to which the county belongs.
How many FIPS codes are there in the US? ›
In the US there are currently 3241 counties and 3241 FIPS Code to match. FIPS Codes don't change often.
What do FIPS codes mean? ›
Federal Information Processing System (FIPS) Codes for States and Counties. FIPS codes are numbers which uniquely identify geographic areas.
What is the difference between FIPS and non FIPS? ›
What Does This Mean For Your Application? The only difference between the two modes is that when Non-FIPS algorithms are disallowed, then you are operating in fully FIPS-compliant mode, and you have access to only the algorithms listed by NIST for the standard (the algorithms that satisfy the standard).
Why do I need FIPS? ›
Enhances data protection: FIPS sets high standards, which are necessary to protect data. Federal government agencies store, use and share large amounts of sensitive information across different devices and systems, and it's only reasonable to put the best possible security measures in place.
Should I enable FIPS compliance? ›
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.
