The selective application of technological and related procedural safeguards is an important responsibility of ever Federal organization in providing adequate security in its computer and telecommunications systems.  The publication provides a standard to be used by Federal organizations when these organizations specify that cryptographic based security systems are to be used to provide protection for sensitive or valuable data.  Protection of a cryptographic module within a security system is necessary to maintain the confidentiality and integrity of the information protected by the module.  This standard specifies the security requirements that are to be satisfied by a cryptographic module.  The standard provides four increasing, qualitative levels of security intended to cover a wide range of potential applications and environments.  the security requirements cover areas related to the secure design and implementation of a cryptographic module.  These areas include basic design and documentation, module interfaces, authorized roles and services, physical security, software security, operating system security, key management, cryptographic algorithms, electromagnetic interference/electromagnetic compatibility (EMI/RMC), and self-testing.  This revision supersedes FIPS 140 in its entirety.

The document specifies basic security criteria for two different uses of passwords in an ADP system, (1) personal identity authentication and (2) data access authorization.  It establishes the basic criteria for the design, implementation and use of a password system in those systems where passwords are used.  It identifies fundamental ADP management functions pertaining to passwords and specifies some user actions required to satisfy these functions.  Inaddition, it specifies several technical features which may be implemented in an ADP system in order to support a password system.  An implementation schedule is established for compliance with the Standard.  Numerous guidelines are provided in the Appendices for managers and users seeking to comply with the Standard.