What is FIPS 140-3?
FIPS 140-3 is a standard with which cryptographic-based (encryption) security systems must comply when protecting sensitive data in U.S. government agencies and departments. This FIPS 140-3 standard supersedes FIPS 140-2 and extends to other entities that may exchange sensitive data with the federal government, including defense contractors, state agencies, county, and city government.
Why FIPS 140-3 Matters
The purpose of the FIPS 140-3 standard is to coordinate the requirements used by U.S. government and other regulated industries in gathering, storing, transferring, sharing, and disseminating sensitive information. FIPS 140-3 modernizes cryptographic validation by aligning U.S. requirements with international standards (ISO/IEC 19790 and 24759) while continuing enforcement through the Cryptographic Module Validation Program (CMVP)
It also provides a FIPS 140-3 validation program for private-sector vendors that develop cryptographic modules that can be used in other security products.
Traditional methods of sending files such as email or FTP do not meet the FIPS 140-3 requirements because they lack the required validated strong encryption for data in transit and at rest. If your organization wants to exchange files with the federal government, it is critical that your file transmissions rely on cryptographic modules validated under the CMVP. Robust managed file transfer (MFT) solutions should offer a FIPS 140-3-validated cryptographic compliant modules if you anticipate exchanging data with government entities.
Related Reading: How Government Organizations Secure Data with MFT
How MFT Helps in Doing Business with the Government
A secure MFT solution, like GoAnywhere MFT, can also provide these additional benefits to organizations doing business with the government:
- Encrypt data using FIPS 140-2 compliant AES and Triple DES algorithms
- Authenticate all users so only intended parties can access data
- Prove compliance with audit trails and reports
- Automate and manage file transfers via a browser-based dashboard
- Centralize file transfer processes to control file access
- Streamline document workflows and administration
- Safeguard inbound ports of internal networks
Related Reading: Case Study on Florida Public Defenders Office
The FIPS 140-validated algorithms (ciphers) used by GoAnywhere MFT are provided by validated cryptographic modules and apply to all SSH and TLS communications within GoAnywhere MFT including SFTP, SCP, FTPS and HTTPS protocols. These validations align with the CMVP requirements under FIPS 140-3.
By utilizing an automated and secure file transfer solution like GoAnywhere along with FIPS 140-3 validated cryptography, doing business with the public sector and other such regulated industries becomes much easier.
Related Reading: The Top 5 Reasons Why Government Agencies Need MFT
What to Look for in Managed File Transfer Solutions
If exploring how you can more securely do business and meet government security standards, check out our Buyer’s Guide for Secure Managed File Transfer.
And see how security-first MFT works in action with a demo from one of our GoAnywhere MFT experts.
