FIPS Compliance and Why It Matters for Modern Data Security

Cryptography has always been at the heart of data security, but it wasn’t always the standardized process we see today. In the past, it was more of an art, with different organizations developing their own secret methods. As digital communications and government networks expanded, the need for a unified approach to securing data became clear. This is where FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standards) comes into play.

A Glimpse into FIPS Origins

FIPS was established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). One major reason for its creation was the U.S. government’s need to protect sensitive information (both at rest and in transit) without relying on fragmented methods. By setting national standards for cryptographic modules, FIPS quickly emerged as a critical benchmark for encryption across various industries – not just government agencies.

Why FIPS Matters

• Consistent Security Baseline
  

  FIPS compliance ensures that cryptographic modules follow tried-and-tested federal standards, eliminating weak links in an organization’s security strategy.

• Regulatory Alignment
  

  Being FIPS-compliant means meeting or exceeding security requirements from multiple regulatory bodies. Organizations handling sensitive data often need these standards to remain legally compliant.

• Future-Proofing Security
  

  FIPS standards are regularly updated to address emerging cyber threats. Staying compliant helps organizations keep up with best practices and mitigate new security risks.

What Happens If You Don’t Meet FIPS Compliance?

Failing to meet FIPS compliance can lead to:

• Operational Setbacks

  Companies unable to demonstrate strong data security can lose government contracts or miss out on business opportunities that require FIPS certification.

• Data Breaches

  Without recognized encryption methods in place, attackers have an easier time stealing or manipulating sensitive information.

• Legal and Financial Risks

  Non-compliance with FIPS, mandatory for federal agencies handling sensitive but unclassified data, can violate regulations. Private sector contractors under FISMA must also adhere, risking fines, legal repercussions, and loss of contracts for failure to comply.

• Reputational Damage

  Security breaches or non-compliance can undermine public trust, making it harder to attract new customers or maintain partnerships.

ClusterControl Supports FIPS-Certified Systems

ClusterControl has added support for FIPS 140-2 compliance, enabling secure operations that align with federal standards. Key components of this compliance include:

• Correctly Signed ClusterControl Packages

  Updated CI pipelines ensure that ClusterControl packages are correctly signed and include a valid SHA-256 payload digest.

• Upgrading of CMON Controller with OpenSSL 3.0.9 FIPS-Certified

  ClusterControl’s CMON Controller, the core service for automating, managing, and monitoring database clusters, now integrates with the OpenSSL 3.0.9 cryptographic library, ensuring secure cryptographic operations that meet FIPS-certified requirements.

Wrapping up

With these security enhancements, ClusterControl ensures that organizational data is protected using FIPS-validated methods. This compliance enhances internal system security while streamlining the process of meeting regulatory and industry security standards.

Do you operate in a regulated industry and need a secure solution to manage and automate day-2 ops? Explore Clustercontrol and try our Enterprise Edition free for 30 days, complete with expert technical support.