FIPS 140

FIPS 140 (Federal Information Processing Standard 140) is a security standard developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the United States. It specifies the requirements for cryptographic modules, which include both hardware and software components, used in securing sensitive information. The FIPS 140 standard has several security levels, ranging from Level 1 to Level 4, with each level representing an increasing level of security.

Here is a brief overview of the security levels defined in FIPS 140:

1. Level 1: This level provides the lowest level of security. It requires basic encryption and authentication mechanisms and focuses primarily on the algorithms and software components used. Level 1 does not require physical security mechanisms.
2. Level 2: Level 2 introduces physical security mechanisms to protect against unauthorized access. It includes tamper-evident coatings or seals and requires role-based authentication for access to critical security parameters.
3. Level 3: At this level, the security requirements are increased further. It adds stronger physical security mechanisms to detect and respond to tampering attempts. It also includes the use of robust cryptographic algorithms and key management processes.
4. Level 4: This is the highest level of security defined in FIPS 140. Level 4 provides the most stringent requirements for both physical and logical security. It includes extensive tamper-evident protections, active tamper response mechanisms, and highly controlled production and distribution processes.

Each security level builds upon the requirements of the previous level and adds additional measures to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of the cryptographic module. The choice of security level depends on the specific security needs and risk assessment of the system or application using the cryptographic module.

When it comes to user authentication to networks, FIPS 140 defers to other standards and guidelines that specialize in network security and user authentication. One such example is the NIST Special Publication 800-63 series, which provides guidelines for digital identity management and authentication.

The NIST Special Publication 800-63 series includes several parts, each addressing different aspects of user authentication to networks. These publications cover topics such as identity proofing, authentication mechanisms, and federation and assertions.

For example, NIST SP 800-63-3 provides guidelines for digital identity authentication, recommending the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA) and specifying different levels of assurance (LOA) based on the strength of the authentication mechanisms used.

In summary, while FIPS 140 does not directly address user authentication to networks, it references other NIST guidelines, such as the NIST SP 800-63 series, which provide more specific recommendations for network authentication and digital identity management.

FIPS 140 does define standards and guidelines for cryptographic algorithms and protocols that can be used to achieve secure network communications. Here are some key aspects that FIPS 140 may require or recommend for secure network communications:

• Cryptographic Algorithms: FIPS 140 specifies approved cryptographic algorithms and standards that should be used to ensure secure network communications. These algorithms may include symmetric encryption algorithms (e.g., AES - Advanced Encryption Standard), asymmetric encryption algorithms (e.g., RSA - Rivest-Shamir-Adleman), digital signatures (e.g., RSA, DSA - Digital Signature Algorithm), and cryptographic hash functions (e.g., SHA-2 - Secure Hash Algorithm 2).
• Secure Key Management: FIPS 140 emphasizes the importance of secure key management for cryptographic operations. It may require the use of key generation mechanisms, secure key storage, key distribution protocols, and protection against unauthorized access to cryptographic keys.
• Secure Protocols: FIPS 140 may reference secure protocols that can be used for network communications, such as the Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol or the Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) framework. These protocols provide encryption, authentication, and integrity mechanisms to secure data transmitted over networks.
• Secure Random Number Generation: FIPS 140 may require the use of approved methods for generating random numbers, which are crucial for cryptographic operations. Secure random number generation is essential to ensure the strength and unpredictability of cryptographic keys and other security parameters.
• Compliance and Validation: FIPS 140 may require that cryptographic modules used for network communications undergo validation and compliance testing. These tests assess whether the modules meet the security requirements specified in the standard and are functioning correctly.

It's important to note that while FIPS 140 provides guidelines for cryptographic modules and algorithms used in secure network communications, there are additional standards and best practices specific to network security that should be considered, such as the NIST Special Publication 800-53 and industry-specific guidelines like the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).

Endpoint security typically refers to the protection of endpoints, such as computers, laptops, smartphones, and other devices, from various security threats. FIPS 140 provides standards and guidelines for cryptographic modules used in securing sensitive information and communications.

There are other standards and guidelines that specifically address endpoint security. Some of these include:

• NIST Special Publication 800-53: This publication provides a comprehensive catalog of security controls for federal information systems, including controls related to endpoint security. It covers a wide range of security areas, including access control, incident response, system and information integrity, and more.
• Common Criteria: Common Criteria is an international standard (ISO/IEC 15408) for evaluating the security capabilities of IT products. It provides a framework for specifying security requirements and assigning assurance levels to products, including those related to endpoint security. Common Criteria certifications often cover aspects like access control, secure boot, software patching, and other endpoint security measures.
• CIS Controls: The Center for Internet Security (CIS) Controls is a set of best practices for cybersecurity. It includes a prioritized list of security measures that organizations can implement to improve their security posture. Several controls within the CIS framework are relevant to endpoint security, such as inventory and control of hardware assets, secure configurations, continuous vulnerability assessment, and more.

These are just a few examples of standards and frameworks that address endpoint security. Organizations often adopt a combination of these and other relevant standards to establish robust endpoint security practices.

FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standards) and NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) are related but distinct entities within the United States government.

NIST is an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Its mission is to promote and maintain measurement standards, technological innovation, and industrial competitiveness in the United States. NIST develops and publishes a wide range of standards, guidelines, and best practices covering various areas of science, technology, and cybersecurity.

FIPS, on the other hand, refers to a series of standards developed and published by NIST. FIPS are a set of guidelines and requirements intended to establish uniform standards for federal government agencies in areas such as information security, computer systems, encryption, and cryptography.

The FIPS standards often reference and incorporate existing industry standards and best practices. They provide specific requirements and specifications that federal agencies must follow when procuring, implementing, and managing information systems and technologies. FIPS standards are typically binding on federal agencies and contractors working with the government.

In summary, NIST is the organization responsible for the development and publication of a broad range of standards, including the FIPS series. FIPS standards, on the other hand, are a subset of NIST standards and specifically focus on establishing requirements for federal government agencies in areas like information security and technology.