FIPS 140-2 Encryption Quiz

The Importance of FIPS 140-2 Validated Encryption in Meeting Cybersecurity Compliance Standards

• CUI stands for "Controlled Unclassified Information," and SP800-171 provides guidelines for protecting CUI in non-federal systems and organizations.
• FIPS 140-2 certified encryption modules are mandated for DFARS compliance, and are required by laws such as FISMA, HIPAA, and PCI DSS.
• FIPS 140-certified modules are used by a wide range of organizations and industries that require strong cryptographic security for their systems and data.
• The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) uses FIPS 140-certified cryptographic modules to protect sensitive data, including patient medical records and financial information.
• NIST SP 800-171 is a NIST Special Publication that provides recommended requirements for protecting the confidentiality of CUI.
• Manufacturers that want to retain their DoD, GSA, NASA and other federal and state agency contracts need to have a plan that meets the requirements of NIST SP 800-171.
• The MEP National Network offers resources for manufacturers to understand and implement NIST SP 800-171, including the NIST Self-Assessment Handbook.
• SP800-131a requires longer key lengths and stronger cryptography, and provides a transition configuration to enable US federal agencies to move to a strict enforcement of SP800-131a.
• To achieve a FedRAMP Ready designation, a CSO’s MFA solution must comply with NIST Special Publication (SP) 800-63B, which requires the use of FIPS 140 validated encryption for MFA tools.
• Data encryption provides an additional layer of depth to an organization’s defensive posture, and is featured prominently among NIST SP 800-171 compliance requirements.
• CMMC 2.0 simplifies the control requirements by reducing from five certification levels to only three, and organizations that need to comply with CMMC Level 2 or higher should understand the intersection between NIST SP 800-171, the FIPS 140 standard for cryptography, and CMMC controls.
• Using FIPS 140-2 validated cryptographic modules in applications can provide several benefits, including enhanced security, compliance with regulations, risk management, interoperability, and industry recognition.