What is FIPS?

FIPS or Federal Information Processing Standards is a set of publicly announced standards developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). These standards are designed to ensure that cryptographic modules and other data security protocols used by government agencies and contractors meet specific security requirements.

The main goal of FIPS is to protect sensitive information, especially when it’s sent or stored electronically. Many systems that deal with private data, like financial records, healthcare information, or government messages, need to follow FIPS rules. By following these standards, organizations make sure their security measures meet government requirements and keep their data safe and accurate.