Welcome to theCMVP
The Cryptographic Module Validation Program (CMVP) is a joint effort between the National Institute of Standards and Technology under the Department of Commerceand theCanadian Centre for Cyber Security, a branch of the Communications Security Establishment. The goal of the CMVP is to promote the use of validatedcryptographic modules and provide Federal agencies with a security metric to use in procuringequipment containing validated cryptographic modules. CMVP has over 955 validated modules that are currently active, with over 4,750 modules validated since the beginning of the program.
Cryptographic and Security Testing Laboratories (CSTLs) verify each modulemeets a set of testable cryptographic and security requirements. Each CSTL submission reviewed and validated by CMVP. Each CSTL is an independent laboratory accredited by NVLAP.
As of September 22, 2020, CMVP began validatingcryptographic modules toFederal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140-3, Security Requirements for Cryptographic Modules.CMVP accepted cryptographic module submissions toFederal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140-2, Security Requirements for Cryptographic Modulesuntil March 31, 2022. As of April 1, 2022, the CMVP no longer accepted FIPS 140-2 submissions for new validation certificates except as indicated in the table below.
Applicability of Validated Modules
FIPS 140-3 validationsare currently being accepted. Upon validation, modules will be placed on the Active list for 5 years (or 2 years for Interim Validations) and may be used for new and existing systems.
Modules validated as conforming to FIPS 140-2can continue to be acceptedby the Federal agencies of both countries for the protection of controlled unclassified information (United States)or Designated Information (Canada) through September 21, 2026. After that time CMVP will place the FIPS 140-2 validated modules on the Historical list, allowing agencies to continue usingthese modules for existing systems only. Agencies should continue to make use of FIPS 140-2 modules until replacement FIPS 140-3 modules become available.
Status of CMVP validation effort
The two-year interim submission option for validations has greatly ramped up processing of validation submissions, and the automated processing of SP 800-140Br1 formatted submissions will reduce the backlog in the validation process. The table below highlights important changes in the CMVP.
Date | Activity |
|---|---|
September 22, 2020 | CMVP accepts FIPS 140-3 submissions. |
| June 14, 2021 | Last date CSTLs accepted contracts for FIPS 140-2 Scenario 5 and Scenario 3. |
September 22, 2021 | CMVP no longer accepts FIPS 140-2 submissions for new validation certificates. |
| April 1, 2022 | CMVP only accepts FIPS 140-2 reports that do not change the validation sunset date. |
| June 6, 2024 | CMVP initiates two-year interim validations for modules submitted before Jan 1, 2024. |
September 21, 2026 | FIPS 140-2 active modules can be used until this date for new systems. After this date, FIPS 140-2 validation certificates will be moved to the Historical List. |
Use of Cryptographic Modules by Federal Agencies and Departments
FIPS 140-2 and FIPS 140-3 requirements are applicable to all U.S. Federal agencies. Agencies must use cryptographic-based security systems to provide adequate information security for all operations and assets as defined in 15 U.S.C. § 278g-3.
Non-validated cryptography is viewed as providingno protectionto the information or data—in effect the data would be considered unprotected plaintext.If the agency specifies that the information or data be cryptographically protected, then FIPS 140-2 or FIPS 140-3 is applicable. In essence, if cryptography is required, then it must be validated. Should the cryptographic module be revoked, use of that module is no longer permitted.
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