In the world of information security, one of the most frequently cited standards, particularly in the field of encryption (cryptography), is FIPS 140-2 . Systems, particularly in financial, healthcare, government, and military applications, are expected to hold this certification to be considered secure.
So, what is FIPS 140-2 , why is it so important, and in what areas is it used? Here are all the details:
🔐 What is FIPS 140-2?
FIPS stands for “Federal Information Processing Standards.”
FIPS 140-2 is a standard established by the US government that defines the security requirements for cryptographic modules .
📌 Full name:
FIPS PUB 140-2 – Security Requirements for Cryptographic Modules
📅 Publication Year: First published in 2001
📜 Publishing Institutions:
-
NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology – USA)
-
CSE (Communications Security Establishment – Canada)
🎯 What is the Purpose of FIPS 140-2?
-
To standardize the design, implementation and testing processes of cryptographic modules.
-
Measuring how secure data encryption systems are
-
Providing secure software and hardware infrastructure for government institutions, banks and critical infrastructures
🧱 What Does Certified “Cryptographic Module” Mean?
Only the encryption component of a product is tested, not the entire product.
This component may include:
-
Hardware modules (e.g. security chip, HSM – Hardware Security Module)
-
Software libraries (e.g. OpenSSL, Microsoft CryptoAPI)
-
Combined solutions (hardware + software)
🛡️ FIPS 140-2 Security Levels
FIPS 140-2 defines security at four different levels :
| Level | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | The most basic level of security. Provides minimum security at the software level. Typically desktop solutions. |
| Level 2 | Includes physical security measures. Hardware integrity is checked. Typically used in financial sector solutions. |
| Level 3 | Enhanced physical security (open-attempt protections). Keys are invisible outside the hardware. Gateways, HSM devices. |
| Level 4 | Highest level. Maximum protection against physical interference. Military applications, government systems. |
📈 Why Is FIPS 140-2 Important?
✅ Internationally Accepted Standard
FIPS 140-2 is accepted as the reference standard by many governments and large companies not only in the US and Canada but also in Europe and Asia.
✅ Legal Compliance Requirement
In some industries (for example: HIPAA , PCI-DSS , FISMA ) this certificate is a legal requirement .
✅ It is an indicator of reliability
A FIPS 140-2 certified system proves that it meets at least the minimum security standard for data protection.
🏢 In Which Areas Is It Used?
-
Public Institutions – Defense, Internal Affairs, Cyber Security
-
Financial Sector – Banks, payment systems, digital signing
-
Health – Patient data, applications such as e-Pulse
-
Cloud Services – platforms such as AWS, Microsoft Azure
-
VPN and Security Appliances – Fortinet, Cisco, Palo Alto, SonicWall
-
Hardware Security Modules (HSM) – Key management and digital signature infrastructure
🔍 How to Know if You Are FIPS 140-2 Certified?
-
Specified in the manufacturer's technical documentation
-
CMVP (Cryptographic Module Validation Program) can be checked from the database
➤ https://csrc.nist.gov/projects/cryptographic-module-validation-program
❗️ What is the difference between FIPS 140-2 and FIPS 140-3?
FIPS 140-3 is an updated and more comprehensive version of 140-2. While 140-2 is still valid and widely used, 140-3 became effective in 2020.
Major improvements to the 140-3:
-
Advanced physical testing criteria
-
Special control over software and firmware updates
-
Extended protection against new hardware threats
✅ Conclusion: FIPS 140-2 is the Representative of True Security
When it comes to information security, how the encryption is done is as important as the encryption itself.
FIPS 140-2 is an independent and scientific security document that demonstrates to institutions and end users that the cryptographic infrastructure used is truly reliable.
Cybersecurity is possible not only with software but also with the right standards .
