Which FIPS 140-2 encryption level provides environmental protections?

Which FIPS 140-2 encryption level provides environmental protections?

• A. Level 1
• B. Level 2
• C. Level 3
• D. Level 4

Answer: (D)

The correct choice is Level 4, as it is the highest level of security defined under the Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140-2 guidelines. Level 4 encryption is designed to provide comprehensive protections, particularly in more challenging or hostile environments. This level includes not only cryptographic algorithms and key management requirements but also mandates physical security measures to protect both the encryption module and any sensitive data. At Level 4, devices must demonstrate resistance to environmental attacks, meaning they can withstand various physical and environmental threats, such as temperature extremes, humidity, and more sophisticated physical tampering attempts. This makes it suitable for use in environments where there may be a higher risk of unauthorized access or damage, thus ensuring enhanced security of sensitive information compared to the lower levels, which do not require the same level of environmental protections.

The correct choice is Level 4, as it is the highest level of security defined under the Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140-2 guidelines. Level 4 encryption is designed to provide comprehensive protections, particularly in more challenging or hostile environments. This level includes not only cryptographic algorithms and key management requirements but also mandates physical security measures to protect both the encryption module and any sensitive data.

At Level 4, devices must demonstrate resistance to environmental attacks, meaning they can withstand various physical and environmental threats, such as temperature extremes, humidity, and more sophisticated physical tampering attempts. This makes it suitable for use in environments where there may be a higher risk of unauthorized access or damage, thus ensuring enhanced security of sensitive information compared to the lower levels, which do not require the same level of environmental protections.