What is FIPS certification?

FIPS certification refers to compliance with the Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS), which are publicly announced standards developed by the United States federal government for use in computer systems by non-military government agencies and contractors. FIPS certification is primarily required for cryptographic modules and algorithms to ensure they meet specific security requirements. Companies seeking to work with federal agencies often need FIPS 140-2 or FIPS 140-3 certification for their products, demonstrating that their encryption technologies are secure and reliable. The certification process involves rigorous testing by accredited labs and approval by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).