Protecting sensitive data is a paramount concern for many organizations. Cybersecurity and cyber crime are on the rise and the costs of breaches can be profound.

Cryptographic modules are essential components of cybersecurity solutions, ensuring the protection of sensitive data through encryption and decryption processes. These modules can be part of hardware, software, and/or firmware, and are designed to implement cryptographic algorithms and security functions. By securely managing processes such as key generation and authentication, cryptographic modules provide the foundational security required for data integrity and confidentiality.

To protect their data, businesses must not only find secure network solutions that leverage the best cryptographic modules but also trust that the solutions they deploy will remain secure. One of the most effective proof points available for any solution is the Federal Information Processing Standard 140-3, or FIPS 140-3.

History of FIPS 140-3: federally mandatory and internationally recognized standard

Established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the FIPS 140-3 standard establishes the security requirements for cryptographic modules. It serves as a benchmark for security systems and offers guidance for implementing robust cryptographic solutions. Adoption of this standard is mandatory for federal agencies and organizations handling sensitive but unclassified U.S. government information.

Recognized globally, the FIPS 140-3 standard aligns with ISO/IEC 19790:2012, which ensures that certified cryptographic modules meet international security standards. This global recognition fosters trust and interoperability across borders, industries, and in diverse market environments.

The rigorous FIPS 140-3 standard helps address and mitigate potential network vulnerabilities, ensuring cryptographic systems are secure and reliable. By adhering to FIPS 140-3, organizations not only comply with required security levels but also enhance customer confidence in data protection.

Stringent and thorough requirements back trustworthiness

A combination of strict requirements across multiple domains ensures that the FIPS 140-3 standard is trustworthy, reliable, and comprehensive.

The Cryptographic Module Validation Program (CMVP), overseen by NIST, issues validation certificates for FIPS 140-3 compliant modules. This validation process ensures that security measures are uniform and dependable across various industries.

The standard certification process also makes use of advanced testing methodologies to identify and address vulnerabilities against tampering and unauthorized access. Advanced testing continues on an ongoing basis, as the standard requires self-tests and evaluations to be done throughout the lifecycle of cryptographic modules. This ensures ongoing compliance with other evolving security standards, as well as the timely identification and mitigation of potential vulnerabilities.

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How does FIPS 140-3 work?

Cyber intrusion can come in many forms, from a hacker bypassing a firewall, to a data thief breaking into a building and hardwiring a connection, or outdated management procedures creating network vulnerabilities by inadequately gating access.

The FIPS 140-3 standard addresses all these threats. It heightens physical security requirements, emphasizing tamper evidence and resistance to safeguard modules from direct interference. Secure cryptographic algorithms and functions are used to ensure a robust defense against existing and potential future vulnerabilities. Comprehensive key management and firmware integrity protocols are used to ensure that cryptographic keys are securely managed and that firmware updates do not compromise module security.

Organizations can therefore trust that a cryptographic module certified to FIPS 140-3 will remain secure and resistant to unauthorized access or tampering even during device firmware updates.

Multi-level security for multiple security requirements

The FIPS 140-3 standard is structured in four levels. This qualitative framework allows organizations to evaluate the capabilities of a given solution and make informed choices in both the level of effective security provided and the relative cost-effectiveness of a solution based on real security needs.

Level 1 sets foundational security standards, focusing on the use of production-grade equipment and externally tested cryptographic algorithms. This level does not mandate physical security, making it suitable for environments where physical access to the module is controlled.

Level 2 offers a moderate increase in security by introducing enhanced security measures, including physical tamper-evidence and role-based authentication. These features are designed to detect unauthorized access and ensure that only authorized personnel can interact with the cryptographic module.

Level 3 requires comprehensive security measures, such as physical tamper-resistance and identity-based authentication. It mandates the separation of interfaces handling critical security parameters and ensures private keys are only transmitted in encrypted form. Modules at this level must also detect and respond to environmental anomalies like voltage or temperature fluctuations, through Environmental Failure Protection (EFP) or Environmental Failure Testing (EFT).

Level 4 provides the most stringent security requirements. It demands tamper-resistant capabilities, meaning the device can erase its contents if it detects an environmental attack. This level requires robust protections against fault injection and incorporates multi-factor authentication, ensuring the highest trust in cryptographic module integrity.

An evolving standard with continuous improvements: FIPS 140-2 vs. FIPS 140-3

As the name would imply, FIPS 140-3 builds on the framework of its predecessor. It also makes several improvements by modifying existing requirements and adding a few new ones.

Modified requirements include changes to two physical security areas:

  • Level 3 certification now also requires modules to detect and respond to out-of-range voltage or temperature (EFP) or undergo Environmental Failure Testing (EFT).
  • Level 4 certification now requires Environmental Failure Protection (EFP) and protection against fault injection.

Other modifications include:

  1. The addition of multi-factor authentication to Level 4 certification.
  2. Stricter zeroization requirements for cloud service providers.
  3. A requirement for all certification levels for approved modes of operation to be reported across each service offered by the module.
  4. Non-invasive security as an optional requirement to address side-channel attack testing.

There were also new updates and new requirements added:

  1. FIPS 140-3 has been updated to align with the ISO/IEC 19790 international standard.
  2. Developer testing and use of automated security diagnostic tools, such as static analysis, in development lifecycle assurance.
  3. Authentication data complexity must now be enforced by the module, not through procedural means.

Industry-leading performance and security with Inseego

Inseego is an industry leader in wireless networking technology, delivering on multiple firsts in 5G and backing many of our devices with advanced AES 256 encryption, security-hardened web interfaces, advanced firewalls, Wi-Fi security and privacy separation, and more. All Inseego devices, including indoor and outdoor routers and hotspots, are built to deliver not only blazing-fast connectivity in urban, rural, and remote locations, but meet the secure wireless networking needs of diverse industries, including transportation logistics and public safety.

Inseego offers devices in its FWA 5G portfolio that are certified to be FIPS 140-3 compliant. For companies seeking FIPS-validated solutions, Inseego provides robust security while ensuring reliable connectivity for any wireless network requirement.