FIPS

What is FIPS?

FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standards) are standards for federal computer systems developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and approved by the Secretary of Commerce under the Information Technology Management Reform Act of 1996 and the Computer Security Act of 1987. These standards were developed in the absence of acceptable industry standards or solutions to meet specific government requirements. Although FIPS was developed for the federal government, many organizations in the private sector voluntarily use these standards.

The FIPS standards cover a wide range of areas, used for a variety of purposes related to computer systems and information security, including encryption algorithms, security requirements for software and hardware, and other aspects of information technology. These standards are of particular importance to federal agencies and departments because compliance with them is often necessary when handling sensitive information and ensuring system interoperability.

One of these standards, FIPS-2 140, was released in May 2001 as the second edition of these standards. It provides guidance on the design, implementation, and validation of cryptographic modules to ensure that they meet specific security standards for encryption and decryption processes. It is a common standard for cryptographic modules used by many state and government agencies and public sector enterprises. All U.S. government agencies, including their vendors and contractors, are required to meet the standards set forth in the FIPS certification. It is one of the most rigorous and reputable standards available, which explains why more and more industries, including the video surveillance industry, are utilizing this certification to secure data and software.

Why is FIPS compliance so important in the security camera industry?

As the level of technology advances, the application of artificial intelligence technology and analytics enhances the ability of security teams and security equipment manufacturers to achieve accurate surveillance around the clock, minimizing some of the human errors that can easily occur, and allowing security surveillance systems to have more flexibility and scalability to adapt to more changing environments and more complex needs.

FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standards) compliance is critical in the security camera industry. This is because the new wave of video analytics and video security technologies brings new compliance issues and data challenges, especially regarding data encryption and protection. Behind features such as intelligent behavioral monitoring and smart identification are potential privacy and security hazards, with vehicles, people, and other identifiers falling under the category of personally identifiable information (PII).

FIPS compliance ensures that the encryption module meets specific security requirements, protects sensitive data, complies with government and regulated industry legal standards, establishes trust and credibility, protects personally identifiable information (PII), reduces the risk of data breaches and cyberattacks, and ensures interoperability with other security systems. These factors combine to guarantee the overall security and reliability of the security system.

What is FIPS Compliance?

A video camera or security system is considered FIPS compliant when it meets the requirements specified in the Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS). The main requirements for making a video camera or security system FIPS compliant include FIPS 140, 180, 186, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201, and 202.

However, FIPS compliance only means that some parts or aspects of the product meet the Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) guidelines; the system as a whole may still have vulnerabilities and require further thorough and adequate testing before further certification can be granted.

How to become FIPS certified?

Obtaining FIPS certification for a product involves a multi-step process that includes preparation, testing, and validation.

The most critical step for a product to receive FIPS certification is that it must undergo and pass all of the required rigorous testing at a National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) laboratory. If a product meets only the FIPS standards but is not certified, it means that it has either failed one or more of the tests or is still in the certification process.

Once testing is complete, the laboratory will compile a validation report documenting the test results and the module's compliance with FIPS standards. Submit the validation report to the NIST for review, if the NIST approves the validation report, they will issue a certificate of FIPS compliance for the product.

Organizations that require validated and certified systems for compliance with regulations will not be able to use products that are only FIPS compliant but not certified. This is because such products may not provide the necessary level of security assurance.

What’s the difference between FIPS-compliant and FIPS-certified?

The difference between FIPS-compliant and FIPS-certified is the degree to which the Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) are followed and verified.

FIPS-compliant means that a product meets some or all of the FIPS guidelines, but has not been officially tested and certified by an authorized laboratory, usually based on a manufacturer's self-assessment or internal testing. Such products do not have official validation from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) or an authorized laboratory and may have undiscovered vulnerabilities, and thus may not be acceptable in environments where strict security assurances are required, such as government agencies or regulated industries.

In contrast, FIPS-certified indicates that a product is fully compliant with the FIPS standard and has been rigorously tested and verified by a National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) accredited laboratory. FIPS-certified products receive an official certificate from NIST confirming that they meet all FIPS requirements, providing a higher level of security, and are therefore widely accepted and required in environments that require a high level of security, such as federal agencies and heavily regulated industries.

Which types of organizations need to be FIPS certified?

Organizations that need to be FIPS certified typically include those involved in government, defense, regulated industries, and sectors requiring high levels of data security and compliance. The main types of organizations include:

• Federal Government Agencies: All U.S. federal agencies are required to use FIPS-certified products for cryptographic security to ensure compliance with federal regulations and standards.

• Defense and Military: Departments of Defense and military organizations use FIPS-certified products to protect sensitive information and maintain high-security standards.

• Government Contractors: Companies that contract with federal agencies must often use FIPS-certified products to meet government security requirements.

• Healthcare Organizations: Healthcare providers, insurers, and other entities subject to HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) often require FIPS certification to ensure the protection of patient data.

• Healthcare Organizations: Healthcare providers, insurers, and other entities subject to HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) often require FIPS certification to ensure the protection of patient data.

These organizations rely on FIPS-certified products to ensure the security and integrity of their data, protect sensitive information, and comply with relevant regulations and standards.