FIPS 140-2

FIPS 140-2 is a US government standard that sets security requirements for cryptographic modules, at four increasing levels.

What is FIPS 140-2?

Level 1 requires only production-grade components. Level 2 adds tamper-evidence and role-based authentication. Level 3 adds tamper resistance and identity-based authentication. Level 4 surrounds the module with a protective envelope and guards against environmental attacks such as voltage or temperature changes. It has been replaced by FIPS 140-3.

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