Tamper-Evident Labels for FIPS 140 Applications
Microtrace manufactures custom tamper-evident security seals designed for use with cryptographic modules requiring physical security under FIPS 140-2 and FIPS 140-3. Each seal is designed to provide clear, irreversible evidence of removal or attempted access.
Precision laser subsurface marking enables permanent serialization, barcodes, logos, text, and other application-specific information while protecting marked data from surface wear and alteration. Label dimensions and marked information can be customized to meet customer-specific identification and labeling requirements.
FIPS validation applies to the cryptographic module and its implementation. Seal performance and placement must be evaluated as part of the module manufacturer's FIPS validation process.
What is FIPS 140?
FIPS 140 is the U.S. federal security standard governing cryptographic modules used to protect sensitive information. FIPS 140-3 includes physical security requirements intended to protect cryptographic hardware against unauthorized access and tampering.
Depending on the module design and required security level, tamper-evident seals may be used to protect removable covers, doors, or other access points. During validation, the testing laboratory evaluates whether seals can be removed and reapplied without leaving evidence of tampering.
Microtrace manufactures custom tamper-evident seals for these applications. The cryptographic module manufacturer and its testing laboratory determine the appropriate seal construction, placement, and qualification requirements for the specific module.
How Microtrace FIPS Tamper-Evident Seals Work
Microtrace FIPS tamper-evident seals can be customized with label dimensions and marked information to meet customer-specific identification and labeling requirements.
Variable and fixed information can include:
- Unique serial numbers
- Barcodes correlated to serial numbers
- Logos and custom graphics
- Text and product identifiers
- Customer-specific designs
Precision laser subsurface marking places information below the label surface, providing durable identification without relying on conventional surface printing.
The label construction is designed so that attempts to remove, reposition, or reuse the seal produce irreversible physical evidence of tampering.
Visible Tamper Evidence. No Specialized Detection Equipment.
Microtrace FIPS tamper-evident seals are verified through visual inspection. Attempts to remove, reposition, or alter the seal cause irreversible damage or distortion that provides visible evidence of access.
No proprietary reader or specialized detection equipment is required for routine inspection.
For FIPS validation, the cryptographic module and seal implementation are evaluated by the customer's testing laboratory according to the requirements applicable to that module.
FIPS Tamper-Evident Seal Applications
Microtrace tamper-evident seals are manufactured for security-sensitive electronics and cryptographic hardware, including:
- Cryptographic modules and hardware security modules (HSMs)
- Telecommunications and networking equipment
- Government and defense systems
- Financial and banking hardware
- Secure data storage and communications platforms
- Other electronic enclosures requiring visible evidence of unauthorized access
Custom Labels for Your Requirements
Microtrace FIPS 140 tamper-evident seals can be customized to meet customer-specific identification and labeling requirements.
Customization options include:
- Label dimensions
- Serial numbers and variable data
- Barcodes correlated to serial numbers
- Logos and custom graphics
- Text and product identifiers
- Customer-specific designs
Samples are available for customer evaluation. Customers are responsible for determining label suitability and completing any testing or qualification required for their specific product and FIPS validation.
Evaluate FIPS 140 Tamper-Evident Seals
Request samples to evaluate Microtrace tamper-evident security seals for your application.
