FIPS 140-3 sets the federal standard for cryptographic modules. It defines how encryption should be implemented, tested, and validated to meet strict U.S. government compliance. Where FIPS 140-2 was the baseline for decades, FIPS 140-3 adds updated requirements, aligns with international standards, and raises the bar for security assurance across software and hardware.
Zscaler operates in this arena at scale. Its cloud-native Zero Trust Exchange must meet FIPS 140-3 to enable secure connections in regulated industries like finance, healthcare, and defense. Passing FIPS 140-3 validation means every cryptographic component—TLS endpoints, VPN tunnels, Secure Web Gateway—uses modules certified for the latest standard. This ensures data-in-transit encryption meets government and industry mandates without exception.
The difference between FIPS 140-2 and 140-3 is not just versioning. FIPS 140-3 incorporates ISO/IEC standards, mandates new self-tests for modules, formalizes roles and services, and updates the documentation and lifecycle requirements for each cryptographic element. For Zscaler, compliance is built into their architecture—leveraging validated modules and constant monitoring so traffic routing, SSL inspection, and policy enforcement remain inside the compliance boundary.