Clear DefinitionsFIPS 140-2
1 min read
Pronunciation
[fips wuhn-fawr-oh dash too]
Analogy
Think of FIPS 140-2 certification like a rigorous safety and security rating for a physical safe (a cryptographic module). To get certified, the safe must meet specific standards for its lock strength (algorithms), key security (key management), door thickness and tamper resistance (physical security), and how users are identified (authentication). Different levels of certification (Levels 1-4) correspond to increasingly stringent security requirements.
Definition
FIPS 140-2 (Federal Information Processing Standard Publication 140-2) is a U.S. government computer security standard used to approve cryptographic modules. It specifies security requirements covering areas related to the secure design and implementation of a cryptographic module, including cryptographic algorithm usage, key management, physical security, and authentication.
Key Points Intro
FIPS 140-2 defines security requirements for cryptographic modules used by U.S. federal agencies and many regulated industries.
Key Points
Cryptographic Module Standard: Specifies security requirements for hardware, software, or firmware that performs cryptographic functions.
U.S. Government Standard: Developed by NIST, mandatory for many U.S. federal procurements.
Four Security Levels: Defines increasing levels of security (Level 1 to Level 4) covering different aspects like physical security and key management.
Ensures Security & Interoperability: Provides assurance that validated modules use approved algorithms and security practices.
Example
A hardware security module (HSM) used by a cryptocurrency custodian to protect private keys might seek FIPS 140-2 Level 3 validation. This validation provides assurance to the custodian and their clients that the HSM meets high standards for physical tamper-resistance, secure key management, and identity-based authentication, making it suitable for safeguarding high-value cryptographic keys. Hardware wallets might also seek FIPS validation.
Technical Deep Dive
FIPS 140-2 defines 11 requirement areas (e.g., Cryptographic Module Specification, Roles, Services, and Authentication, Physical Security, Cryptographic Key Management, Design Assurance). Security Levels range from Level 1 (basic security, e.g., encrypted disk software) to Level 4 (highest security, including protection against environmental attacks and voltage/temperature tampering, typically for HSMs). Validation involves rigorous testing by accredited Cryptographic Module Validation Program (CMVP) laboratories. FIPS 140-3 is the successor standard, gradually replacing FIPS 140-2.
Security Warning
FIPS 140-2 validation applies to a specific version of a cryptographic module under specific operational conditions. It does not guarantee the module is free from all vulnerabilities or that the surrounding system using the module is secure. Proper configuration and use are still essential.
Caveat
Achieving FIPS 140-2 validation is a costly and time-consuming process. While it provides significant assurance, it's primarily a U.S. federal standard, although widely respected globally. Compliance doesn't automatically mean a product is the most secure option for every use case.
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