Federal Information Processing Standard

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The Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) are publicly announced standards developed by the United States federal government for use in computer systems by non-military government agencies and government contractors. FIPS standards are issued to establish requirements for various purposes such as ensuring computer security and interoperability and are intended to be followed by both the government and other parties.

History

FIPS were originally developed under the guidelines of the NIST, a part of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The standards development process involves several stages, including draft proposals, public comments, and final approvals. The purpose of FIPS is to ensure that all federal government and agencies operate using a consistent and secure set of guidelines that align with the overall objectives of the federal information security and management act.

Purpose and Application

The primary goal of FIPS is to standardize the approach to security and interoperability within the federal government to protect sensitive but unclassified information. This standardization also extends to contractors and other entities that handle government data, ensuring that all parties use a consistent set of practices.

Key Standards

Some of the most well-known and widely implemented FIPS standards include:

• FIPS 140: Standards for cryptographic modules, including both hardware and software components, used within a security system to protect sensitive but unclassified information.
• FIPS 197: Standard for the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), which is a symmetric key encryption standard used by the U.S. government.
• FIPS 199: Standards for security categorization of federal information and information systems, which helps in determining the level of security needed based on the potential impact of a security breach.

Impact and Compliance

Compliance with FIPS standards is crucial for federal agencies and affects a wide range of industries including healthcare, finance, and defense. Non-compliance can result in vulnerabilities in security and potential breaches of sensitive information.

Controversies and Criticisms

While FIPS standards are critical for maintaining security, they have also faced criticism for being overly prescriptive and potentially stifling innovation. Critics argue that the rigid requirements can make it difficult for agencies to adopt new technologies quickly.

Future Developments

As technology evolves, FIPS standards are periodically reviewed and updated to ensure they remain effective and relevant. The ongoing challenge for NIST and other stakeholders is to balance security needs with flexibility and innovation.

See Also

• NIST
• Information security
• Cryptography
• AES