FIPS 140-2
FIPS 140-2 (Federal Information Processing Standard 140-2) is a U.S. government standard that specifies security requirements for cryptographic modules used to protect sensitive information in computer and telecommunication systems. It defines four levels of security (Level 1 to Level 4) with increasing stringency, covering areas such as physical security, key management, and algorithm testing. Compliance is validated through independent testing by accredited laboratories, and it is widely adopted in government and regulated industries like finance and healthcare.
Developers should learn and use FIPS 140-2 when building systems that handle sensitive data, especially for U.S. government contracts or in regulated sectors where cryptographic security is mandated by law or policy. It ensures that cryptographic implementations meet rigorous standards for integrity and confidentiality, reducing risks of data breaches. Use cases include secure communications, data encryption, and digital signatures in applications like online banking, healthcare records, and defense systems.