Websites that handle credit card transactions are subject to stringent security requirements, especially under the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). One of the foundational elements of PCI compliance is the use of validated cryptographic modules for securing data in transit and at rest. This is where FIPS 140-3, the latest cryptographic standard from NIST, becomes essential, in the USA, Canada and beyond. It is essential for these websites to comply or risk substantial liability in case of compromised consumer data.
FIPS 140-3 defines the requirements for cryptographic modules used by systems that handle sensitive information — including websites that process payment card data. It ensures that SSL/TLS libraries, hardware security modules (HSMs), and encryption routines meet strict requirements around key management, entropy sources, self-tests, and access control. Importantly, many PCI DSS controls (e.g., 3.5, 4.1, and 6.6) implicitly require or benefit from FIPS-validated cryptography.
To maintain trust and compliance, e-commerce websites must be periodically scanned and validated for cryptographic integrity. This involves more than just running a generic vulnerability scanner — it requires deep cryptographic inspection to verify that:
All TLS endpoints use FIPS 140-3 validated cipher suites and key exchange mechanisms
Certificates are issued by trusted roots and managed securely
Codenotary FIPS compliance platform runs FIPS-specific scans at defined intervals, producing compliance reports that serve as evidence for PCI auditors and internal governance teams. These reports help identify regression risks, such as downgraded cipher support or misconfigured crypto libraries after software updates.
FIPS 140-3 compliance is no longer optional for sites that aim to retain PCI certification and protect cardholder data. In the age of increasing cryptographic attacks and zero-trust architectures, cryptographic hygiene is as critical as endpoint hardening. By enforcing FIPS 140-3 standards and validating them through regular scanning, organizations build cryptographic resilience directly into the fabric of consumer trust and regulatory alignment.
More information about Codenotary at https://codenotary.com/