What does FIPS stand for?

FIPS stands for Federal Information Processing Standard. This term is widely recognized in the context of information security and federal data handling. FIPS refers to standards and guidelines that are developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for the secure and efficient management of federal information systems.

FIPS are crucial in ensuring that federal agencies adopt consistent practices for the management and security of sensitive information. They cover a wide range of areas including cryptography, security controls, and overall system integrity, which are essential for safeguarding federal data against unauthorized access and breaches. As such, organizations that engage with federal information systems must comply with these standards to ensure that they meet government security requirements and protect public information effectively.