FIPS 140 is a set of standards that describe U.S. government criteria for cryptographic modules — including both hardware and software components — used within federal information systems. Officially known as the Federal Information Processing Standards Publication 140, it is designed to ensure that the cryptographic tools and systems employed to protect sensitive data meet stringent security requirements.
The standard is divided into four levels of security, ranging from basic security requirements suitable for an unprotected environment (Level 1) to the most stringent requirements meant for high security applications and environments (Level 4). This stratification allows organizations to choose the appropriate level of security for their specific needs, factoring in the sensitivity of the data in question and the potential risks of data exposure.
For innovative security platforms like Smallstep, FIPS 140 is particularly relevant. Smallstep’s approach to automated certificate management and enabling end-to-end encryption across various entities aligns with the principles underpinning FIPS 140. By adhering to such standards, Smallstep not only enhances its product’s trustworthiness but also ensures compatibility with the security expectations of federal agencies and other organizations with stringent data protection requirements. Moreover, Smallstep's focus on automating certificate management can simplify the process of achieving and maintaining compliance with FIPS 140, thus fortifying its value proposition in offering a secure, scalable, and user-friendly solution tailored for the complexities of today’s digital ecosystems.
