In today’s digital age, securing sensitive information is more critical than ever, especially for government entities that handle highly confidential data. Their devices must meet stringent capabilities and undergo rigorous testing before they can be trusted with storing and processing sensitive data. The Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140 sets the benchmark for these security requirements, ensuring that cryptographic modules are robust and reliable. Over the years, this standard has evolved through three major revisions—FIPS 140-1, FIPS 140-2, and the latest, FIPS 140-3—each incorporating advancements in cryptographic security practices.
FIPS 140-3, the most recent update, brings a new level of sophistication to cryptographic security, addressing modern threats and vulnerabilities with enhanced requirements. From basic implementation to advanced protection against physical attacks, FIPS 140-3 outlines four distinct security levels that cryptographic modules must adhere to. These levels ensure that devices are equipped to handle varying degrees of sensitivity and potential threats, providing a structured approach to achieving optimal security.
Exploring FIPS 140-3 Requirements
Let’s focus on the concrete requirements of FIPS 140-3. Each of the four security levels builds upon the previous one with increasing stringency.
- FIPS 140-3 Level 1: Basic Security Requirements: Level 1 is the entry-level security standard for cryptographic modules. It requires the correct implementation and usage of approved cryptographic algorithms, emphasizing detailed documentation and evidence through rigorous testing.
- FIPS 140-3 Level 2: Enhanced Security: Level 2 adds tamper evidence and role-based authentication to control physical access and ensure clear separation of roles and services.
- FIPS 140-3 Level 3: High Security: Level 3 introduces mechanisms for tamper resistance, identity-based authentication, and stricter separation between interfaces and critical security parameters to prevent unauthorized access.
- FIPS 140-3 Level 4: Highest Security: Level 4 the highest security level, includes robust protections against environmental and physical attacks, such as side-channel and fault injection attacks, ensuring modules operate securely under extreme conditions and incorporate advanced hardware security techniques.
Unfortunately, the requirements for fault injection tolerance are predominantly categorized under environmental fault protections, which specify normal operating ranges for temperature & voltage and mandate the zeroization of Critical Security Parameters (CSPs). The effectiveness of these protections against fault injection attacks depends on the duration of exposure to these conditions. Although mitigation strategies for other attacks are outlined, they are not mandatory for certification, even at Level 4.
The Complexity and Uncertainty in FIPS 140 Requirements
The complexity and uncertainty around the FIPS 140 requirements can create security gaps. The transition from FIPS 140-2 to FIPS 140-3 introduces new challenges, including understanding the updated standards and implementing the required security measures. These gaps can leave room for sophisticated attacks if not adequately addressed. Riscure can help companies navigate this uncertainty by providing expert guidance and support throughout the certification process, ensuring compliance while maintaining robust security measures.
Evolving Threat Landscape
Over time, the cost of executing cyberattacks has dropped significantly, which increases the risks associated with delays in adopting new security standards. Even though FIPS 140-2 was introduced in 2001 and has been updated by FIPS 140-3, many devices are still certified under the old standard, even as recently as June 2024. There are a few key reasons why organizations are slow to adopt new standards:
- Complexity: New standards like FIPS 140-3 can be complex and difficult to understand. The detailed and stringent requirements often require significant effort and resources to implement correctly, which can be a barrier for many businesses.
- Lack of Guidance: There is often insufficient guidance and clear testing procedures for new standards. Without adequate support and documentation, achieving compliance can be challenging, causing further delays in adoption.
As the methods for cyberattacks evolve, previously expensive and sophisticated attacks have become more affordable and accessible. For example, fault injection attacks, once very costly, can now be performed using inexpensive tools like a Raspberry Pi Pico. This highlights the critical need for ongoing hardware security testing and for standards to continuously evolve to address new threats. While FIPS 140-3 Level 4 includes protections against side-channel and fault injection attacks, it does not account for all types, such as high-order side-channel attacks or laser fault injection. Regular security assessments help identify vulnerabilities that may not be covered by FIPS 140-3, this is helpful for identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities that standard certifications might overlook, thereby ensuring robust defenses against evolving threats.
Routine testing of security measures in hardware is crucial to reducing the risk of successful attacks and protecting sensitive information. Organizations should conduct regular, comprehensive security assessments to stay ahead of emerging threats and maintain strong defenses.
Riscure specializes in security testing and certification, helping companies navigate these complexities. By providing thorough assessments and customized strategies, Riscure ensures that products meet certification requirements and remain resilient against the latest attack techniques. This proactive approach helps safeguard sensitive information and supports the development of secure cryptographic devices.