Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140-3

NIST, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, developed the 140-3 standard to define minimum security requirements for cryptographic modules like those found in SonicWall’s Next-Generation Firewalls and Remote Access products. A cryptographic module is defined as "the set of hardware, software, and/or firmware that implements approved security functions (including cryptographic algorithms and key generation) and is contained within the cryptographic boundary." (NIST SP 800-175B Rev. 1). 

The Cryptographic Module Validation Program (CMVP), a joint effort between NIST and the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS), validates cryptographic modules as part of the FIPS 140-3 certification process. FIPS certification or compliance is often required for companies with federal government agencies or providing products/services.  NOTE: Although FIPS 140-3 supersedes 140-2, modules validated under the latter remain certified until sunset/expiration dates.