Which FIPS encryption level requires identity based authentication?

Which FIPS encryption level requires identity based authentication?

• A. Security level (EAL) 2
• B. Security level (EAL) 3
• C. Security level (EAL) 4
• D. Security level (EAL) 5

Answer: (B)

The requirement for identity-based authentication is associated with Security Level EAL 3 under the Common Criteria framework for IT security evaluation. At this level, the assurance requirements become more stringent, and systems are expected to implement strong authentication mechanisms to ensure that users are who they claim to be. EAL 3 typically involves the use of a formalized design and separation of security functions, which includes a deeper level of testing and analysis to ensure security properties are properly verified. Identity-based authentication is essential at this level because it helps to minimize risks associated with unauthorized access and user impersonation. By requiring that users be authenticated based on their identity, systems at EAL 3 enhance overall security posture, making them suitable for environments where there is a need for moderate to high levels of assurance. This ensures that only authorized personnel can access sensitive systems and data, thus safeguarding against potential threats. In contrast, lower levels, such as EAL 2, may not mandate robust identity verification processes, while higher levels like EAL 4 and EAL 5 often focus on additional aspects of security assurance, which may include more comprehensive testing and architectural design but do not specifically highlight identity-based authentication as a core requirement at the foundational level.

The requirement for identity-based authentication is associated with Security Level EAL 3 under the Common Criteria framework for IT security evaluation. At this level, the assurance requirements become more stringent, and systems are expected to implement strong authentication mechanisms to ensure that users are who they claim to be.

EAL 3 typically involves the use of a formalized design and separation of security functions, which includes a deeper level of testing and analysis to ensure security properties are properly verified. Identity-based authentication is essential at this level because it helps to minimize risks associated with unauthorized access and user impersonation.

By requiring that users be authenticated based on their identity, systems at EAL 3 enhance overall security posture, making them suitable for environments where there is a need for moderate to high levels of assurance. This ensures that only authorized personnel can access sensitive systems and data, thus safeguarding against potential threats.

In contrast, lower levels, such as EAL 2, may not mandate robust identity verification processes, while higher levels like EAL 4 and EAL 5 often focus on additional aspects of security assurance, which may include more comprehensive testing and architectural design but do not specifically highlight identity-based authentication as a core requirement at the foundational level.