.. fips4-introduction.rst .. _fips4-introduction-label: ============================== YubiKey FIPS 4 Series ============================== Why FIPS? ========= Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) are developed by the United States government for use in computer systems to establish requirements such as ensuring computer security and interoperability. The `National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) `_ and the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS) run the NIST Cryptographic Module Validation Program (CMVP) as a collaborative effort. FIPS certification demonstrates that a product has gone through a rigorous audit process and adheres to a security standard that can be measured and quantified. Many government organizations and government contractors are required to use FIPS-approved products, as are highly-regulated industries in general. Other countries also recognize FIPS 140-2. For the US government, the default is that FIPS is **required**. Do You Require FIPS Keys? ========================== If you do not have a security auditor, and/or the auditor does not have a compliance requirement, you probably do not need FIPS. The standard line of YubiKeys offers the same security, algorithms and functionality. The standard line also evolves at a much more rapid pace because it does not need to go through an exhaustive validation process, which commonly takes a year or more. Yubico can release standard firmware with new features, enhancements, etc. at any time, whereas FIPS-certified products must go through the FIPS validation process every time there is a change. Compatible Devices ==================== Before proceeding, make sure your YubiKeys are from the (4) FIPS Series, not the 5 FIPS Series. If you're not sure how to tell, look for **v5** in the laser-markings on the keys themselves. Keys with this marking belong to the 5 FIPS Series; keys without it are from the (4) FIPS Series. See below images for clarification. .. image:: /graphics/fips4-models.jpg :scale: 100 % :align: center *The YubiKey (4) FIPS Series, to which this article applies.* .. image:: /graphics/fips5-models.jpg :scale: 100 % :align: center *The YubiKey 5 FIPS Series.* If you determine you have YubiKey 5 FIPS Series keys, please refer to `YubiKey Technical Manual `_ instead.